Abscission Agent Research Articles

CsPLDalpha1 and CsPLDgamma1 are differentially induced during leaf and fruit abscission and diurnally regulated in Citrus sinensis.

Understanding leaf and fruit abscission is essential in order to develop strategies for controlling the process in fruit crops. Mechanisms involved in signalling leaf and fruit abscission upon induction by abscission agents were investigated in Citrus sinensis cv. ‘Valencia’. Previous studies have suggested a role for phospholipid signalling; hence, two phospholipase D cDNA sequences, CsPLDα1 and CsPLDγ1, were isolated and their role was examined. CsPLDα1 expression was reduced in leaves but unaltered in fruit peel tissue treated with an ethylene-releasing compound (ethephon), or a fruit-specific abscission agent, 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMNP). By contrast, CsPLDγ1 expression was up-regulated within 6 h (leaves) and 24 h (fruit peel) after treatment with ethephon or CMNP, respectively. CsPLDα1 expression was diurnally regulated in leaf blade but not fruit peel. CsPLDγ1 exhibited strong diurnal oscillation in expression in leaves and fruit peel with peak expression around midday. While diurnal fluctuation in CsPLDα1 expression appeared to be light-entrained in leaves, CsPLDγ1 expression was regulated by light and the circadian clock. The diurnal expression of both genes was modulated by ethylene-signalling. The ethephon-induced leaf abscission and the ethephon- and CMNP-induced decrease in fruit detachment force were enhanced by application during rising diurnal expression of CsPLDγ1. The results indicate differential regulation of CsPLDα1 and CsPLDγ1 in leaves and fruit, and suggest possible roles for PLD-dependent signalling in regulating abscission responses in citrus.

Screening Fruit Loosening Agents for Black Ripe Processed Table Olives

The California table olive (Olea europaea L.) industry relies exclusively on hand harvesting of its primary Manzanillo cultivar. Increased harvesting costs have intensified industry interest in identifying an abscission agent that can be used with developing mechanical harvesting technologies to increase removal rates. Table olives are harvested immature green at horticultural maturity but before physiological maturity. The goal of this research was to reevaluate the potential of ethylene-releasing compounds (ERCs) as olive-loosening agents and to screen additional candidates previously shown to accelerate citrus fruit abscission. Eleven compounds were screened at two separate table olive-growing sites (Fresno and Tehama counties) in California in September until Nov. 2006. Compounds were applied at various concentrations alone or in combination. Fruit detachment force (FDF) and percent fruit drop were measured and leaf loss assessed. Of the compounds evaluated, the ERC ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid were the most efficacious. In whole tree applications, concentrations of ethephon or 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid above 1000 mg·L−1 reduced FDF to less than 50% of the untreated control within 17 days, but leaf drop increased with increasing concentrations. Addition of 1-methylcyclopropene reduced efficacy of ethephon and delayed leaf drop. Monopotassium phosphate + ethephon (4% and 1000 mg·L−1, respectively) reduced FDF and leaf loss was equivalent to the ethephon alone treatment. Compounds such as methyl jasmonate, coronatine, dikegulac, MAXCEL, traumatic acid, and 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole were not efficacious.

Isolation and characterization of genes associated with shade-induced apple abscission

Apple trees generally produce excessive number of flowers and young fruitlets, which negatively affects commercial value. Thus, thinning is an important practice by which excessive flowers and fruitlets abort. Fruit abscission is difficult to predict or control, as many factors including shading can cause fruitlets to abort. In order to understand the molecular basis of shade-induced fruit abscission, two cDNA libraries were constructed using the suppression-subtractive hybridization (SSH) method and 347 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were obtained. 168 ESTs represent transcripts that are preferentially expressed after 24 h of shading, and the other 179 are derived from RNAs of small apple fruits that were shaded for 72 h. Sequence analyses revealed that these clones represent 68 (24 h) and 44 (72 h) unique genes; these genes belong in eight functional categories. The largest set of genes is related to carbohydrate metabolism including the sorbitol 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (S6PDH) gene that was generally believed not to be expressed in young fruits, while the second largest group contains unclassified or unknown genes. RNA gel blot analysis confirmed that at least 26 genes are up-regulated after shade treatment. Some of these known genes may serve as molecular markers for apple monitoring the induction of fruitlet abscission. Improved genetic understanding is critical to the development of targeted abscission agents to better control apple crop loads and optimize apple production.

Potential Abscission Agents for Raisin, Table, and Wine Grapes

Effective abscission agents that decrease fruit detachment force (FDF) are sought by the California raisin industry to improve the continuous tray mechanical harvesting method. Such agents might also enable mechanical harvest of table and wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L.), but few agents are known to be effective for grape. Thus, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and six other compounds known to stimulate abscission of other fruits were screened for their ability to reduce FDF of mature ‘Thompson Seedless’ grapes. Most compounds tested reduced FDF to some extent, but MeJA was particularly effective. Solutions containing between 45 and 4500 ppm MeJA reduced FDF by at least 50% to 85% compared with nontreated fruits. Application of 2250 and 4500 ppm MeJA to ‘Thompson Seedless’ vines caused 25% to 50% fruit drop, respectively, within 10 d after treatment (DAT). The efficacy of MeJA was verified in a second experiment in which solutions of 0, 1125, 2250, or 4500 ppm MeJA were applied to clusters of ‘Crimson Seedless’ grapes; at 14 DAT, FDF declined as a linear function of MeJA applied. The grapes did not abscise, but berries treated with 2250 to 4500 ppm MeJA had slightly lower soluble solids than nontreated fruits. Solutions of 0 or 4500 ppm MeJA applied to clusters of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘Merlot’ grapevines reduced FDF by 66% and 75%, respectively. Fruit drop was estimated to be less than 10%. Thus, a solution containing up to 4500 ppm MeJA may be an effective abscission agent to facilitate mechanical harvest of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ or ‘Merlot’.

A citrus abscission agent induces anoxia- and senescence-related gene expression in Arabidopsis

The mechanisms of negative effects of 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMNP), a pyrazole-derived plant growth regulator used as a citrus abscission agent, were explored in Arabidopsis by integrating transcriptomic, physiological, and ultrastructural analyses. CMNP promoted starch degradation and senescence-related symptoms, such as chloroplast membrane disruption, electrolyte leakage, and decreased chlorophyll and protein content. Symptoms of plant decline were evident 12 h after CMNP treatment. Microarray analysis revealed that CMNP influenced genes associated with stress, including those related to anoxia, senescence, and detoxification. Sucrose treatment arrested CMNP-induced plant decline. The results demonstrate that the plant response to CMNP shares common elements with various stresses and senescence at physiological and molecular levels.

Late-season `Valencia' Orange Mechanical Harvesting with an Abscission Agent and Low-frequency Harvesting

An abscission agent (5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole [CMNP]) at 300 mg·L–1 in a volume of 2810 L·ha–1 was applied to Valencia orange trees [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.] on 22 May 2004. At this time, immature and mature fruit were present on the tree simultaneously. Three days after application, fruit were mechanically harvested using a trunk-shake-and-catch system. The power to the shaker head was operated at full- or half-throttle (FT or HT, respectively), and the duration of trunk shaking was 2 seconds at FT or 4 seconds at FT and HT. Mature fruit removal percentage and number of immature fruit removed, and fruitlet weight and diameter were determined. Mature fruit removal percentage with 2 seconds at FT or 4 seconds at FT harvesting ±CMNP, or 4 seconds at HT + CMNP was not significantly different and ranged between 89% to 97%. Harvesting at 4 seconds HT without CMNP removed significantly less mature fruit than any treatment. CMNP did not affect immature fruit removal by the trunk shaker. Harvesting at 4 seconds at HT removed significantly less immature fruit than 2 seconds at FT or 4 seconds at FT. No significant difference in fruitlet weight or diameter was measured between any trunk shaker harvest operation and CMNP treatment. Trunk shaking frequency was estimated to be 4.8 and 8.0 Hz at HT and FT, respectively. Yield in 2005 was determined on the same trees used for harvest treatments in 2004. CMNP did not impact yield. No significant difference in yield was seen between the hand-picked control and 4 seconds at HT, whereas yield in the remaining treatments was lower. The results demonstrate that CMNP application combined with low frequency trunk shaker harvesting can achieve high percentage of mature fruit removal with no significant impact on return yield of the following crop.

In Vitro Flower Abscission Induction in North American Ginseng

In vitro studies using detached inflorescences with peduncles were conducted to investigate flower abscission agents in North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.). Of the nine compounds studied only three, ammonium thiosulphate (ATS), abscisic acid (ABA) and ethephon induced abscission. Anilazine, benzyladenine, carbaryl, gibberellic acid, napthaleneacetic acid and thidiazuron did not induce abscission. ATS dip treatments did not induce abscission but the spray treatments induced <TEX>$60.5\%$</TEX> abscission at <TEX>$1500\;mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$</TEX> and <TEX>$33.1\%$</TEX> at <TEX>$3000\;mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$</TEX>. Severe chlorophyll loss occurred on all inflorescences treated with ATS. Both ABA dip treatments and a <TEX>$250\;{\mu}mol{\cdot}L^{-1}$</TEX> spray treatment caused abscission <TEX>$(40\%)$</TEX> without adverse effects, and timing of ABA application was important. Because ABA was only significant in the dip treatments, ABA may not be a practical option for field use on ginseng. Ethephon sprays induced more abscission as the season progressed and as the concentration increased. As the dip concentrations of ethephon increased, the abscission rate decreased and the health of the inflorescences declined. The <TEX>$1500\;mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$</TEX> spray of ethephon gave consistent abscission results over the glowing season with little phytotoxicity. Treatment with the competitive ethylene inhibitor 1-methylcy-clopropene (1-MCP) suggested that flower abscission was due to the liberation of ethylene from the breakdown of ethephon.

Mechanical Harvesting Capacity in Sweet Orange Is Increased with an Abscission Agent

An abscission agent [5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMNP)] was applied to `Hamlin' and `Valencia' orange (Citrus sinensis) trees at concentrations ranging from 0 to 500 ppm in a volume of 300 gal/acre. Four days after application, fruit were mechanically harvested with either a trunk shake-and-catch or a continuous canopy shake-and-catch system commercially used in Florida. Harvesting conditions were varied by limiting the actual trunk shake time of the trunk shaker to 2, 4, or 7 seconds, or by altering the ground speed of the canopy shaker (1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 mph). In general, increasing duration of shake and the application of CMNP increased percent mature fruit removal and decreased the amount of fruit remaining in the tree. Increasing CMNP concentration decreased fruit detachment force but increased post-spray fruit drop. Comparison of short duration shake times in CMNP-applied trees with trees harvested at longer durations either sprayed or not sprayed with CMNP indicated no significant difference in percent mature fruit removal. The results demonstrate that CMNP application increases harvesting capacity of trunk and canopy shakers by reducing time necessary to harvest each tree while maintaining high percent mature fruit removal.

New Mechanical Harvesters for the Florida Citrus Juice Industry

Hand picking, by snapping each fruit from its stem, has been the traditional method of harvesting Florida oranges (Citrus sinensis) and grapefruit (C. paradisi) for processing. A harvest mechanization program was active from about 1960 to 1985, but mechanical methods were not adopted. In July 1994, a new harvesting research and development program was initiated by the Florida Department of Citrus. The growers are taxed about $0.01/field box of production to fund the program. An industry Advisory Council oversees the program, and recommends projects and funding. The new program has provided training videos to improve hand harvest management/productivity, developed several methods for mechanical harvesting, and discovered/evaluated several fruit abscission agents. Mechanical harvesting use is increasing, and about 6880 of the 237,498 ha (17,000 of the 586,859 acres) of oranges were mechanically harvested during the 2002-03 season. Two mechanical systems can increase labor productivity by 5 to 15 times and reduce unit harvesting cost by 50% or more. Such savings are essential for effective competition in free-trade markets and for operation with resident labor. Many old-style plantings will need to be replaced over the next 10 years. The harvesting program accomplishments are discussed.

Fruit Removal and Recovery during Citrus Harvesting are Improved when Abscission Agent Applications are Used with Mechanical Harvesters

A study was initiated in `Hamlin' orange to determine if a selective citrus abscission material, 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMNP), could improve mature fruit removal and recovery when used with mechanical harvesters. A trunk shaker and continuous-moving canopy shaker equipped with catch-frames were used at the flatwoods and ridge growing regions in Florida. Both trials were conducted during the first 2 weeks of Dec. 2003. Plots were constructed as randomized complete blocks containing four replicates for each treatment. Each replicate contained five trees at the ridge site or four trees at the flatwoods site. CMNP was applied using a commercial airblast sprayer at 0, 125, 250 and 500 mg·L-1 at a rate of 2,800 L·ha-1 4 days before scheduled harvest. The trunk shaker was operated for either 7 seconds or 2 seconds/tree, whereas the canopy shaker was operated at either 260 cpm or 140 cpm/tree. The data show that the correct time was selected for harvest. Over a 50% reduction in FDF was achieved with the 250 and 500 mg·L-1 treatments, while post-application fruit drop was less than 1.5%. The greatest benefit of abscission agent use was seen when the mechanical harvesters were operated at the least aggressive setting (2 seconds or 140 cpm), where increases in % fruit removal and recovery were over 20% higher than the controls. At the most aggressive settings, numeric increases in % fruit removal and recoveries were measured, but these changes were not statistically significant. The results demonstrated that statistically similar % fruit removal and recoveries could be achieved using less aggressive harvester settings with abscission agent use when compared with most aggressive settings using no abscission agent.

Differential Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene on Citrus Leaf and Mature Fruit Abscission

1-MCP is a gaseous ethylene binding inhibitor that controls or delays ethylene-related postharvest problems in a range of horticultural commodities. Our previous work demonstrated that exposure of calamondin to 1-MCP 16 hours before canopy sprays of ethephon greatly reduced unwanted leaf drop while only partially inhibiting the ability of ethephon to cause fruit loosening. The objective of this work was to determine whether formulated 1-MCP (SmartFresh) could be used in the field to stop defoliation caused by abscission agent applications without significantly altering abscission agent-induced fruit loosening. Spray solutions containing 400 mg·L-1 ethephon with 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 mm 1-MCP were applied to canopies of `Hamlin' and `Valencia' (Citrus sinensis). Timing of 1-MCP applications was a) 24 hours before, b) in combination with, or c) 24 hours after ethephon. Ethephon at 400 mg·L-1 significantly reduced fruit detachment force (FDF) but caused &gt;70% leaf drop within 15 days after application in both cultivars. Applications of 1-MCP reduced ethephon-associated leaf abscission but had little effect on the ability of ethephon to reduce FDF. Timing of 1-MCP applications did not affect the ability of ethephon to cause fruit loosening; however, the best consistent treatment for control of leaf drop was achieved with the combined application of 5 mm 1-MCP and 400 mg·L-1 ethephon. 1-MCP was used in combination with the abscission agents coronatine, methyl jasmonate (MeJa) and 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMNP) to determine its effect on leaf drop and fruit loosening. Leaf drop in trees treated with ethephon, coronatine, and MeJa was reduced by addition of 1-MCP. However, fruit loosening was largely prevented when 1-MCP was used in combination with coronatine or MeJa. Like ethephon, CMNP-induced fruit loosening was not affected by 1-MCP. The results demonstrate the ability to control ethephon-induced leaf abscission without affecting mature fruit loosening by targeting ethylene binding in citrus.

A beta-galactosidase gene is expressed during mature fruit abscission of 'Valencia' orange (Citrus sinensis).

beta-galactosidases have been detected in a wide range of plants and are characterized by their ability to hydrolyse terminal non-reducing beta-D-galactosyl residues from beta-D-galactosides. These enzymes have been detected in a wide range of plant organs and tissues. In a search for differentially expressed genes during the abscission process in citrus, sequences encoding beta-galactosidase were identified. Three cDNA fragments of a beta-galactosidase gene were isolated from a cDNA subtraction library constructed from mature fruit abscission zones 48 h after the application of a mature fruit-specific abscission agent, 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMN-pyrazole). Based on sequence information derived from these fragments, a full-length cDNA of 2847 nucleotides (GenBank accession number AY029198) encoding beta-galactosidase was isolated from mature fruit abscission zones by 5'- and 3'-RACE approaches. The beta-galactosidase cDNA encoded a protein of 737 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 82 kDa. The deduced protein was highly homologous to plant beta-galactosidases expressed in fruit ripening. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that at least two closely related beta-galactosidase genes were present in 'Valencia' orange. Temporal expression patterns in mature fruit abscission zones indicated beta-galactosidase mRNA was detected 48 h after treatment of CMN-pyrazole and ethephon in mature fruit abscission zones. beta-galactosidase transcripts were detected in leaf abscission zones only after ethephon application. The citrus beta-galactosidase was expressed in stamens and petals of fully opened flowers and young fruitlets. The results suggest that this beta-galactosidase may play a role during abscission as well as early growth and development processes in flowers and fruitlets.

Isolation and characterization of a cDNA encoding a lipid transfer protein expressed in 'Valencia' orange during abscission.

The genetics and expression of a lipid transfer protein (LTP) gene was examined during abscission of mature fruit of 'Valencia' orange. A cDNA encoding an LTP, CsLTP, was isolated from a cDNA subtraction library constructed from mature fruit abscission zones 48 h after application of a mature fruit-specific abscission agent, 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-pyrazole (CMN-pyrazole). A full-length cDNA clone of 652 nucleotides was isolated using 5' and 3' RACE followed by cDNA library screening and PCR amplification. The cDNA clone encoded a protein of 155 amino acid residues with a molecular mass and isoelectric point of 9.18 kDa and 9.12, respectively. A partial genomic clone of 505 nucleotides containing one intron of 101 base pairs was amplified from leaf genomic DNA. Southern blot hybridization demonstrated that at least two closely related CsLTP genes are present in 'Valencia' orange. Temporal expression patterns in mature fruit abscission zones were examined by northern hybridization. Increased expression of CsLTP mRNA was detected in RNA of mature fruit abscission zones 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after application of a non-specific abscission agent, ethephon. Low expression of CsLTP transcripts was observed after treatment of CMN-pyrazole until 24 h after application. After this time, expression markedly increased. The results suggest that CsLTP has a role in the abscission process, possibly by assisting transport of cutin monomers to the fracture plane of the abscission zone or through its anti-microbial activity by reducing the potential of microbial attack.

Guanfacine and Clonidine Reduce Defoliation and Phytotoxicity Associated with Abscission Agents

Guanfacine and clonidine were combined with ethephon or metsulfuron-methyl in the spray tank and applied as foliar sprays to Citrus sinensis L. Osb. `Valencia', Citrus madurensis Loureiro (calamondin), and Prunus persica `Elberta' to determine their effects on leaf loss, fruit detachment force (FDF), immature fruit loss, and twig dieback. In `Valencia' orange, `Elberta' peach and calamondin, guanfacine and clonidine effectively reduced ethephon-induced defoliation in all three tree species, whereas only guanfacine was effective with metsulfuron-methyl applications in `Valencia'. The ability of ethephon to reduce FDF in `Valencia' was only minimally impaired by guanfacine but not impaired by clonidine. Both guanfacine and clonidine diminished the capacity of metsulfuron-methyl to reduce FDF. Guanfacine reduced immature fruit loss of `Valencia' caused by metsulfuron-methyl and reduced twig-dieback. Leaf loss was reduced whether guanfacine or clonidine were applied with ethephon, or 24 hours or 17 days before ethephon application. Guanfacine and clonidine reduced leaf loss induced by continuous exposure of potted calamondin trees to ethylene, and leaf loss was similar with guanfacine and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatments. In separate experiments, guanfacine and clonidine were unable to block ethylene perception in Arabidopsis seedlings and petunia flowers but promoted rooting in coleus and tomato vegetative cuttings, suggesting that these compounds have auxin-like activity. The results demonstrate the potential to enhance selectivity of abscission agents with guanfacine and clonidine. Chemical names used: 2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino]-2-imidazoline, clonidine; 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-pyrazole, CMN-P; [(2,6-dichlorophenyl)acetyl]guanidine, guanfacine; [(2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid, ethephon; indole-3-butyric acid, IBA; 1-methylcyclopropene, 1-MCP.

Seasonal Variation in the Response of `Valencia' Orange to Two Abscission Compounds

Two field studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of metsulfuron-methyl and 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMN-pyrazole) on abscission of `Valencia' orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] during the 3-month harvest season. Solutions of metsulfuron-methyl at 0.5, 1, and 2 mg·L-1 active ingredient (a.i.) were applied at 10-day intervals beginning on 13 Feb. and ending 18 May 1998. Early in the harvest season, 1 or 2 mg·L-1 metsulfuron-methyl significantly reduced fruit detachment force (FDF) 14 days after application. Metsulfuron-methyl was less effective during a 4- to 6-week period following bloom (“less-responsive period”). After this period, metsulfuron-methyl regained the ability to loosen fruit. Applications of 2 mg·L-1 a.i. were more effective than 1 mg·L-1 in reducing FDF and causing leaf drop, but 0.5 mg·L-1 a.i. had little or no effect on FDF. Flowers and leaflets on developing shoots and young fruit completely abscised with 1 and 2 mg·L-1 a.i. Defoliation and twig dieback was extensive at all concentrations and spray dates, eliminating metsulfuron-methyl as a commercially viable abscission agent for citrus. In a separate experiment CMN-pyrazole at 50 and 100 mg·L-1 a.i. and metsulfuronmethyl at 0.5 mg·L-1 a.i. were applied to `Valencia' trees to determine fruit removal with a trunk shake and catch harvesting system. Application of both abscission materials before and after the “less-responsive period” resulted in a 10% to 12% increase in fruit removal when compared to control trees. Less than a 35% reduction in FDF was sufficient to significantly increase fruit removal. Only 100 mg·L-1 a.i. CMN-pyrazole significantly increased fruit removal when applied during the “less-responsive period.” Chemical names used: Methyl-2-(((((4-Methoxy-6-Methyl-1,3,5-Triazin-2-yl)-Amino)Carbonyl) Amino)Sulfonyl)Benzene (Metsulfuron-methyl); 5-Chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1-H-pyrazole (CMN-pyrazole).

Injurious Effects of Metsulfuronmethyl When Used to Stimulate Abscission of `Hamlin' Oranges

A field experiment was conducted to determine effects of concentration and spray volume of metsulfuron-methyl as an abscission aid for mechanical harvesting of citrus. Concentrations of 1, 2, and 4 mg·L–1 metsulfuron-methyl were applied to `Hamlin' orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] trees at 470, 1900, and 4700 L·ha–1 (0.5 to 19 g·ha–1 a.i.). Effective fruit loosening was achieved with all applications &gt;1.9 g·ha–1 (4 mg·L–1 at all volumes, 2 mg·L–1 at 1900 and 4700 L·ha–1, and 1 mg·L–1 at 4700 L·ha–1). Heavy defoliation and twig dieback were observed on trees receiving 2 and 4 mg·L–1 at all volumes. Defoliation and dieback became more severe and flower development and fruit set were inhibited as fruit loosening increased. The use of metsulfuron-methyl as an abscission agent for `Hamlin' oranges is not recommended until conditions for its safe application can be determined. Chemical names used: methyl 2-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl) amino] carbonyl] amino] sulfonyl] benzoate (metsulfuron-methyl).

Acetolactate Synthase Inhibitors Increase Ethylene Production and Cause Fruit Drop in Citrus

The abscission action of two sulfonylureas and one imidazolinone was evaluated in laboratory studies with harvested orange (Citrus sinensis L. cv. Valencia) fruit and greenhouse studies with orange (cv. Hamlin) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf. cv. Marsh) trees. Dipping harvested fruit in 90 mg·L–1 imazameth, 2 mg·L–1 metsulfuronmethyl, or 30 mg·L–1 prosulfuron solutions increased levels of internal ethylene. Internal ethylene concentration was higher when fruit were dipped in 2 mg·L–1 metsulfuron-methyl solutions at low pH. Fruit retained on trees and dipped in 2 mg·L–1 metsulfuron-methyl solutions produced more ethylene than control fruit. Drop of treated fruit began when ethylene production was at a maximum. High temperatures (average 33 °C) suppressed ethylene production and fruit drop of metsulfuron-methyl–treated fruit. The results indicate the importance of environmental conditions in evaluating the potential of sulfonylureas and imidazolinones as abscission agents for citrus. Chemical names used: ±-2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-5-methyl-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid (imazameth); methyl 2-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2yl) amino] carbonyl] amino] sulfonyl] benzoate (metsulfuron-methyl); 1-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-triazin-2-yl)-3-[2-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) phenylsulfonyl] urea (prosulfuron); N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine (glyphosate); 2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1 H-imidazol-2-yl]-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid (imazaquin).

520 Methyl Jasmonate Causes Ethylene Production and Abscission in Citrus

Methyl jasmonate (Me-Ja) is a naturally occurring ubiquitous compound in plants. Me-Ja is considered to be a putative plant hormone because of its effect on plant processes such as senescence, germination, tuber formation, signal transduction, ethylene production, and abscission at low exogenous concentrations. We applied Me-Ja to fruit or whole trees of `Hamlin' or `Valencia' orange to determine the potential of this compound as a mature fruit abscission agent. Me-Ja (0, 1, 5, 10, or 20 mM in 0.1% Kinetic adjuvant) was applied to whole trees with a handgun or boom sprayer rates of 4850 and 1790 L·ha–1, respectively. Alternatively, tree fruit were dipped in Me-Ja solutions. Fruit drop, leaf drop and ethylene production in both fruit and leaves and fruit detachment force in fruit were monitored at various times up to 2 weeks after application. Me-Ja treatment resulted in increased ethylene production in fruit and leaves 1 to 2 days after application. Fruit detachment force significantly declined 6 to 10 days after application followed by significant fruit drop. Applications of Me-Ja &gt;10 mM resulted in an unacceptable amount of canopy defoliation. The results suggest that Me-Ja has potential as an abscission agent for citrus. Future work will focus on improving uniformity of application and response.

Effects of carbaryl and cyhexatin on survival and reproductive behaviour of Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

SummaryThe effects of carbaryl, an insecticide and an abscission agent, and cyhexatin, an acaricide, on the survival, reproductive behaviour and subsequent egg hatch and larval migration of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella L., were investigated under laboratory conditions. Dilution series starting with the concentration recommended for high volume application in the field were evenly sprayed in plastic cups. Depending on the concentration used, both pesticides resulted in high adult mortality, males being more susceptible. Although the total number of the eggs laid by C. pomonella females was significantly reduced in most treatments, the females exposed to different residues of carbaryl laid significantly more eggs during the first 24 h of exposure. This was not the case for cyhexatin.While in all treatments almost 50% of the eggs were laid on the side of the cups, the spatial distribution of the eggs laid under the lid and on the floor was concentration dependent. With one exception, continuous exposure of the moths to carbaryl significantly reduced the number of spermatophores per female. Less than one spermatophore per female was transferred at the highest four concentrations of carbaryl and the highest three concentrations of cyhexatin; whereas, the number of spermatophores per female amounted to about four per female for the other treatments. In contrast to carbaryl, which exhibited a high ovicidal effect at all concentrations, the ovicidal activity of cyhexatin was low. This was manifested in a high rate of egg hatch and the extent of embryonic development in most of the treatments. Furthermore, while carbaryl killed the newly‐hatched larvae at all concentrations, cyhexatin acted as a larvicide at the highest two concentrations only.

Fruit Abscission and Leaf Drop in Citrus Cultivars Treated with Metsulfuron-methyl

Fruit of 11 citrus cultivars were evaluated for their response to the experimental abscission material metsulfuron-methyl at 2 mg·L-1 (ppm) active ingredient as an aid to mechanical or hand harvest. Cultivars evaluated included `Ambersweet', `Glen Navel', `Hamlin', and `Valencia' oranges [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.], `Robinson' tangerine (Clementine × Orlando, C. reticulata Blanco), `Sunburst' tangerine [`Robinson' × `Osceola', C. reticulata × (C. paradisi Macf. × C. reticulata)], `Murcott' and `Temple' tangor (C. reticulata × C. sinensis), `Orlando' tangelo (C. reticulata × C. paradisi), `Ray Ruby', and `Marsh' grapefruit (C. paradisi). Six of the 11 cultivars were effectively loosened by sprays of metsulfuron-methyl (`Hamlin', `Valencia', `Orlando', `Murcott', `Temple', and `Ray Ruby'). Addition of an adjuvant (Kinetic, 0.125%) was necessary for abscission activity in fruit and leaves. Trees sprayed with metsulfuron-methyl in combination with an adjuvant had higher percent cumulative fruit drop, higher internal ethylene, and lower fruit detachment forces (FDF) than trees sprayed with metsulfuron-methyl alone. `Sunburst' tangerine responded poorly to the abscission material in the presence or absence of Kinetic. Leaf loss was greatest in trees sprayed with metsulfuron-methyl and adjuvant, intermediate in trees sprayed with metsulfuron-methyl alone, and least in control trees. Twig dieback was observed in trees of `Valencia' orange and `Marsh' grapefruit sprayed with metsulfuron-methyl. The peel of some cultivars had irregular coloration and developed pitted areas after harvest. Although metsulfuron-methyl is an effective abscission agent for mature citrus fruit, further work is needed to more accurately define conditions for its safe and dependable use.