Abstract
In a two-year trial using mature Empire/M.27 apple trees, application of 100 or 200 mg·l-1 benzyladenine (BA) as dilute sprays 16 or 22 days after full bloom (DAFB) thinned to 6 or 5 fruit cm-1 limb circumference. BA reduced fruit set by 50% and proportionately increased trunk cross-sectional area growth. BA increased return bloom, total shoot growth and shoot number cm-1 limb circumference, but decreased mean shoot length. At harvest, fruit from thinned trees were significantly greater in weight, diameter, length and L/D ratio, but fruit colour and harvest maturity was unaffected. Firmness and soluble solids (TSS) of fruit from thinned trees were higher than control at harvest and following storage at 0-0.5°C and 90-95% RH. BA-treated fruit exhibited reduced respiration rate and ethylene production, and exhibited no storage disorders.Application of 500 or 1000 mg 1-1 BA 4 weeks before harvest to mature Empire and McIntosh/M.27 apple trees was performed to determine if late BA application could reduce the loss of fruit firmness that occurs upon storage, especially in McIntosh. BA-treated fruit of both cultivars, were firmer at harvest and following storage in air for up to 4 months. Fruit TSS were unaffected.
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