The effect of 2, 4-DP on fruit development in apricots ( Prunus armeniaca L.)

• Published in: Scientia horticulturae Vol. 57; no. 1; pp. 51 - 57
• Main Authors: Agustí, M., Juan, M., Almela, V., Speroni, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.03.1994; Elsevier
• Subjects: 2,4-D; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; Cropping systems. Cultivation. Soil tillage; DIMENSION; DIMENSIONS; FRUIT; Fruit colour; Fruit size; FRUTO; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; MADURAMIENTO; MURISSAGE; PERIODE VEGETATIVE; PERIODO VEGETATIVO; PRUNUS ARMENIACA; RIPENING; Synthetic auxins; Tending. Growth control; Tillage. Tending. Growth control; Vegetative growth; VEGETATIVE PERIOD; Southern Europe; Europe; Spain; Synthetic auxins; 2, 4-DP = 2, 4-dichlorophenoxypropionic acid (butylglycol ester); TSS = total soluble solids; Vegetative growth; Fruit colour; Fruit size; Auxin; Fruit; Growth; Spraying; Rosaceae; Systemic; Growth regulator treatment; Outdoor study; Propionic acid(2-aryloxy); Ripening; Orchard; Dicotyledones; Quality; Angiospermae; Vegetative apparatus; Prunus armeniaca; Development; Plant growth substance; Spermatophyta; Fruit tree; Phytohormone
• ISSN: 0304-4238; 1879-1018
• DOI: 10.1016/0304-4238(94)90034-5

The application of 25 mg l −1 2, 4-DP (2, 4-diclorophenoxypropionic acid butylglycol ester) at pit hardening, increased final fruit size and advanced fruit maturation in apricots. Fifteen days after treatment the differences in diameter between control and treated fruit reached a maximum and remained constant until harvest. This effect coincided with a decrease in leaf weight and, at an advanced stage of development, leaf area. This suggests a competitive relationship between fruit development and vegetative growth, although a direct effect of 2, 4-DP on fruit development cannot be discarded.