Year: 1975
Type: article
Abstract: Ethephon and chlorflurenol were applied to hybrid pickling cucumber Cucumis sativus L. cvs. Pioneer and Pickmore to study the use and effectiveness of the chemicals on promoting fruit yields and quality in a once-over harvest system. Ethephon was applied either at the first or the fourth true-leaf stage of growth. Chlorflurenol was applied at 0, 50 or 100 ppm when 6-8 female flowers reached anthesis. Dollar value per ha was increased by approximately 14% when ethephon or chlorflurenol was used alone. However, when these 2 growth regulators were used in combination, yields were increased by as much as 68% in ‘Pioneer’ and 40% in ‘Pickmore.’ Chlorflurenol significantly increased the number of fruit per plant and reduced the length to diameter ratio. Fruit shape and L:D ratio were significantly improved when ethephon was applied in the fourth true-leaf stage regardless of chlorflurenol usage. Chlorflurenol slightly reduced the fresh quality of ‘Pioneer’ but had no such effect on ‘Pickmore.’ Salt stock quality was improved slightly by chlorflurenol. To obtain best yield, fruit shape, fresh salt stock quality, ethephon should be applied twice, 1 week apart commencing at the fourth true-leaf stage, followed by a 50 to 100 ppm spray application of chlorflurenol when 6-8 female flowers have reached anthesis.
Authors: Daniel J. Cantliffe, Sharad C. Phatak
Institutions: Merck KGaA, Darmstadt (Germany), University of Florida
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
OpenAlex ID: W4298284187