Thinning of Spur `Delicious' Apples by Shade, Terbacil, Carbaryl, and Ethephon

Abstract

Terbacil applied to whole-spur `Delicious' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees reduced photosynthesis and fruit set. The addition of the surfactant X-77 to terbacil sprays increased fruit thinning and leaf injury. Terbacil sprays applied to leaves only (fruit covered with foil) were as effective as when applied to leaves plus fruit. Dipping fruit alone in a terbacil solution did not cause abscission. Shading trees for 4 days with 92% polypropylene shade material reduced fruit set =50%. Spraying trees with carbaryl reduced fruit set by 25%. The combination of shade + carbaryl spraying reduced fruit set by 89%. Chemical names used: l-naphthalenyl methylcarbamate (carbaryl); 3-tert- butyl-5-chloro-6-methyluracil (terbacil); 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethephon); alkaryl polyoxyethylene alcohols (X-77).