ASHS 2024 Conference

In apple orchards, addressing pre-harvest fruit drop in early-maturing, commercially valuable cultivars like ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Gala’ is crucial. This issue is largely linked to ethylene, a ripening hormone that, despite its role in enhancing fruit qualities, triggers premature fruit drop. From 2018 to 2021, extensive field trials were conducted across commercial and experimental orchards to refine the application of two ethylene-inhibiting products, ReTain (AVG-15%) and Harvista (1-MCP-1.3%), in mitigating this challenge in ‘Gala’ apples. Our findings confirmed AVG’s effectiveness in reducing fruit drop and stem-end splitting; however, AVG application consistently resulted in diminished fruit coloration. In the subsequent seasons of 2023 and 2024, our research pivoted towards identifying plant growth regulator (PGR) formulations that could balance the dual objectives of minimizing fruit drop and preserving color development in ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Gala’ apples. Key findings include: a) the multiple applications of Accede (ACC-10%) and Motivate (Ethephon-21.7%) starting from three weeks before harvest significantly enhanced red color formation in ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Gala’ apples, surpassing control and ReTain treatments, though Motivate increased the rate of fruit drop; b) ReTain, both alone and in combination with Accede, notably reduced fruit drop, with the ReTain-Accede mix also enhancing fruit coloration; c) combining ReTain and Motivate neither decreased fruit drop nor enhanced color; d) the positive impact of the ReTain-Accede mix on color was biochemically and molecularly validated; e) Accede's color-enhancing effect appears to be ethylene-independent. This research underscores the potential of specific PGR mixes in achieving a harmonious balance between reducing fruit drop and enhancing fruit coloration.