Work

Use of Growth Retardants for Increasing Tomato Yields and Adaptation for Mechanical Harvest1

Year: 1970

Type: article

Abstract: Yields of tomato cultivars ‘Heinz 1350’ and ‘Delaware 65S3-2’ (a mid-season processing variety) were increased by foliar sprays of succinic acid 2,2-dimethyl hydrazide (Alar) and 2-chloroethyl trimethylammonium chloride (Cycocel). The most effective treatments were those in which 2500 ppm Alar was applied at the first or fourth true leaf stage of growth or at both of these times. Concentration of harvest was improved and early yield was increased by subsequent application of 5000 ppm Alar as a flower “cut-off” spray after desired fruit set had been achieved. The latter treatment has desirable implications for mechanical harvesting, since it virtually eliminated green fruit “pick-out” and slowed vegetative growth, thus causing a more concentrated harvest because of more rapid fruit maturation. The yield increases are attributed to a combination of effects including resistance to water and heat stresses, more flowers per cluster and thus more fruits per plant. Additional hormone-like effects of Alar and certain Alar analogs were observed.

Source: Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science

DOI: 10.21273/jashs.95.1.73

Authors: Paul E. Read, D. J. Fieldhouse

Institutions: University of Minnesota, University of Delaware

Language: English

Topic: Plant Growth Enhancement Techniques

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500