The effects of pre-harvest plant growth regulators treatments on pre-harvest drop and fruit quality of Braeburn apple (Malus domestica Borkh.)

In this study, effects of pre-harvest applied aminoethoxyvinylglycine (avg) and napthaleneacetic acid (naa) treatments on the pre-harvest drop and fruit quality of ‘braeburn’ apple were investigated. experimental trees were treated with three different concentrations (150, 225 and 300 mg l-1) of avg and 20 mg l-1 naa 4 weeks before anticipated harvest date. results which were obtained revealed that naa and avg treatments significantly decreased pre-harvest drops compared to control treatment. avg treatments significantly delayed peel color development. the fruit weight was significantly reduced by 225 and 300 mg l-1 avg concentration at 1, 8 and 15 october harvest date. avg treatments were more effective in retaining of flesh firmness. but naa treatment significantly reduced both flesh firmness and fruit removal force at anticipated harvest. avg treatments significantly delayed starch degradation, and reduced soluble solids content. 225 and 300 mg l-1 avg-treated fruits exhibited higher titratable acidity than control and naa on 1, 8 and 15 october.