Application of certain hormones to prevent flower abscission in two potato (Solanum tuberosum) varieties

Abstract

Investigations were undertaken to obtain flowers and fruit set in two potato varieties, namely, Canoga and Russet Burbank. Almost always in Russet Burbank, and quite often in Canoga, the flower buds drop. Seven hormones were used and a 25 p.p.m. aqueous solution of each was prepared. Potato plants were sprayed with hormones at different stages of plant development. These stages were; seed tuber stage, four-inch stage, fully grown plant stage, and flower bud stage. The results indicate that in the Canoga variety, flowers and fruit were obtained when the plants were sprayed with any of the above-mentioned hormones at any stage, but the fully-grown-plant stage proved to be better for hormone treatment since it affects flower development. At this stage the best flowering and fruit set were obtained by the application of 2,4-D followed by IBA, 2,4,5-TCPA, and 2,4,5-TCPP. In the case of Russet Burbank more selectivity as to stage of plant growth and type of hormone was required to obtain good flowering and fruit set. The four-inch stage proved to be better and at this stage the application of NAA and 2,4,5-TCPP gave the best results with IBA as third choice. These results were obtained from a single experiment. In order to make definite recommendations much more research will have to be conducted.