FRUIT CROPS

Disease management

Insect information

Irrigation and fertigation

Peaches

Reflective films

Technical articles

Team members

Program detail

CONTROL

WITH RETAIN AND FILM

Growth regulators and reflective film produce bigger fruit and higher prices
Apple growers face a dual challenge each year of having enough workers to harvest the fruit and having enough fruit to sell throughout the season. Scientists at Clemson, North Carolina State University, and the University of Massachusetts found that using a commercial plant growth regulator can address both these problems.

The growth regulator tested (ReTain) delays maturation of the fruit, allowing it to stay on the tree longer, grow larger and ripen more slowly. This boosts firmness, flavor, and size of the fruit, increasing its market value. The treatment also prevents fruit from dropping before harvest time and allow growers to extend their harvest by several weeks. This means that fewer workers can harvest more apples at peak ripeness and that customers can enjoy good fruit for a longer season.

In addition, the treatment extends storage life because the fruit can be refrigerated longer without requiring controlled-atmosphere technology. Because of all these benefits, the scientists felt that growers could recoup the expense of using the treatment.

However, the treated apples had less red color than untreated fruit. This could make them less attractive to consumers, even though the size and flavor of the treated apples would be better. To remedy this, Clemson scientists put reflective foil on the ground under treated trees, increasing sun exposure, even on the inside branches. This approach gives apples the red color that consumers want and gives growers an opportunity to maximize sales and profits. The reflective film had a similar effect on peaches.

For more information, contact Desmond Layne (Clemson horticulture department).