Effects of (2-Chloroethyl)phosphonic Acid on Development and Abscission of Maturing Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Fruit1,2

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Abstract
(2-Chloroethyl)phosphonic acid (ethephon) applied as a foliar spray to sweet cherry trees within 2 weeks of fruit maturity promoted fruit abscission at the lower (fruit:pedicel) zone, as indexed by a reduction in the fruit removal force (FRF). There was no significant effect, at the concn studied, on abscission at the upper (pedicel:peduncle) zone. Promotion of abscission with ethephon was time and concn dependent. Ethephon concn of 100 to 1000 ppm were effective with a greater response from the higher concn. Absorption periods of 4 and 24 hr resulted in responses equal to 73 and 94% of that observed when ethephon was present for the entire experimental period. Of 9 sweet cherry cultivars evaluated, all responded similarly in terms of reduction in FRF. Ethephon enhanced fruit enlargement and pigmentation when applied early in Stage III of fruit growth. The increase in wt was most pronounced in the fleshy pericarp tissue.

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