The Effect of Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) on Pre-harvest Fruit Drop and Fruit Quality in Red Chief and Braeburn Apple Cultivars

Abstract

The study was carried out in 2017 in the semi-dwarf apple orchard established in 2010 inKemalpaşa village in Tokat province in order to determine the effect of AVG application in differentconcentrations on the pre-harvest fruit drop and fruit quality of Red Chief and Braeburn applecultivars. In the study, 7 years-old apple trees of Red Chief and Braeburn cultivars grafted on MM106rootstock were used. AVG, at 0, 75, 150 and 225 mg L-1combined with a Regulaid’ surfactant at 0.1%v/v, was applied to the trees before anticipated harvest. Fruit drop ratio, which varied depending onthe cultivar, was lower in the AVG treated trees, and the effect of the application concentration wassignificant. AVG application was effective in maintaining the fruit retention force. The significantdifferences in fruit retention force occurred between application concentrations. It was determinedthat the the fruit retention force was higher in the fruits belonging to the Breaburn cultivar. The effectof AVG on fruit size, SSC pH and acidity rates varied depending on the variety. There was no significantdifferences in fruit firmness and starch index between cultivars. AVG application increased the fruitfirmness and decreased the amount of starch both cultivar. As a result, of this study, it has beenrevealed that AVG can be used effectively in preventing pre-harvest fruit drop in Redchief ve Braeburn.