Increasing the Effectiveness of Ethephon for Olive Harvesting1

Abstract

Abstract Ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) and Alsol (2-chloroethyl-tris-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-silane) are effective in reducing the fruit removal force (FRF) required for harvesting fruit of olive ( Olea europaea L.). The lowest FRF value was achieved with Alsol within 2 to 3 days after treatment, but only after 7 to 8 days with ethephon. Raising the pH of the ethephon spraying solution to 7.0 increased ethylene evolution markedly and decreased both the FRF value and the time needed to achieve this reduced value.