Abscission: Quantitative Measurement With a Recording Abscissor

Abstract
The construction, operation, and effectiveness of an abscission measuring instrument called an abscissor is described. The device measured the force required for a spring-opposed plunger to shear abscission zone explants and was capable of automatically recording break strength data. Examples of data obtained with the abscissor are presented to demonstrate its capability of rapidly measuring significant changes in explant break strength.