Effects of 2-Chloroethane Phosphonic Acid and Its Interaction with Gibberellic Acid on Quality of ‘Early Italian’ Prunes1

Abstract

Abstract The growth regulator, 2-chloroethane phosphonic acid (Ethrel) advanced color and soluble solids development by about 2 weeks, softening by 1 week when applied at 80 ppm 3 1/2 weeks before commercial maturity of untreated fruit. Lesser effects of a similar nature were produced by rates down to 10 ppm on the same date. Gibberellic acid (GA) delayed softening by 1 week, color and soluble solids development by 1 or 2 days when applied at 50 ppm 3 1/2 weeks before commercial maturity of untreated fruit. Internal browning was reduced. Ethrel combined with GA to produce better colored fruit with higher soluble solids and less internal browning than untreated checks.