Effects of growth regulator Cerone 480sl application on fruit color development of Idared apple variety

Abstract

The study subject of the experience was Idared apple variety grafted on M 9. The trees were trained as slender spindles. The distance of plantation is 3.5 x 1.2 m. To study color development of the apple fruits was experimented the following variants: 1. Control – no treatment; 2. Cerone 480SL - 1.3 L/ha; 3. Cerone 480SL - 1.5 L/ha. Growth regulator Cerone 480SL was sprayed one time, 2 – 3 weeks before commercial harvest. The research was conducted during the period of 2012 year. During the research, it was studied the firmness of fruits, hydrolysis and color index, etc. Color of fruits was estimated at harvest using a 5-point scale of grading. In the present research work, we demonstrated that Cerone 480SL may be included in the system of color development of Idared apple variety fruits, the dose of 1.3 L/ha, one spray applied, 2 – 3 weeks before commercial harvest.