Understanding the fruit sink.

2022 ◽  
pp. 67-91
Author(s):  
T. M. DeJong
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Effects ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Floral Development ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Growth ◽  
Alternate Bearing ◽  
Spring Temperature

Abstract This chapter deals with understanding the fruit sink by studying the floral development and structures; pollination, fertilization, fruit set and types; limitations of fruit growth; thinning effects on fruit growth, size and yield; spring temperature effects on fruit size; nut development and growth; and the condition of alternate bearing.

scholarly journals Effective Pollination Period of Actinidia chinensis ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ and A. deliciosa ‘AU Fitzgerald’ Kiwifruit

HortScience ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 656-660
Author(s):  
Ashley K. Brantley ◽  
James D. Spiers ◽  
Andrew B. Thompson ◽  
James A. Pitts ◽  
J. Raymond Kessler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Set ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Open Pollination ◽  
Seed Number ◽  
Alternate Bearing ◽  
Size Index ◽  
Days After Anthesis ◽  
Female Flowers

Commercial kiwifruit production often requires substantial inputs for successful pollination. Determining the length of time that female flowers can be successfully pollinated can aid management decisions concerning pollination enhancement. The purpose of this research was to determine the effective pollination period (EPP) for ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ and ‘AU Fitzgerald’. Either 30 (2013) or 32 (2014, 2015) flowers of ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ were hand pollinated each day for 1 to 5 (2013) days after anthesis (DAA) or 1 to 7 DAA (2014, 2015), and then isolated to prevent open pollination. Anthesis was considered the day the flower opened. Similarly, ‘AU Fitzgerald’ flowers were pollinated and then isolated 1 to 6 DAA in 2013 and 1 to 7 DAA in 2015. For ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ in 2013, fruit set was consistent over the 5-day period, but fruit weight, fruit size index, and seed number decreased between 1 and 3 and 4 and 5 DAA. In 2014, fruit set decreased between 1 and 6 and 7 DAA, whereas fruit weight, fruit size index, and seed number each decreased in a linear trend. In 2015, fruit set also decreased between 1 and 6 and 7 DAA, whereas all other responses decreased linearly. Based on fruit set in 2014 and 2015, the EPP for ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ was 6 DAA. The EPP for ‘AU Fitzgerald’, however, was more variable. In 2013, fruit weight, fruit size index and seed number decreased between 1 and 4 and 5 and 6 DAA, suggesting that the EPP was 4 DAA. In 2015, fruit set remained consistent over the 7-day period with fruit weight, fruit size index, and seed number decreasing linearly. Differences in temperature and the alternate bearing tendency of kiwifruit species likely contributed to the discrepancies between the years for the EPP. For each cultivar, reductions in fruit weight, size, and seed number were observed before an observed decrease in fruit set. Greater fruit weight, size, and seed number were observed when flowers were pollinated within the first few DAA, with results varying thereafter.

scholarly journals Irrigation Schedules and Annual Ryegrass as a Ground Cover to Conserve Water and Control Peach Tree Growth

HortScience ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 28 (9) ◽  
pp. 908-913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan M. Huslig ◽  
Michael W. Smith ◽  
Gerald H. Brusewitz
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Growth ◽  
Stage Iii ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Water Application ◽  
Soil Pressure ◽  
Flower Bud ◽  
Irrigation Treatments

Irrigation schedules were evaluated on `Cresthaven' peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] to determine if water application could he reduced or omitted without affecting fruit size or yield. Tensiometers were used to schedule trickle irrigation during 1984-M. Treatments were no irrigation or irrigation when soil pressure potential at a 30-cm depth reached 40 or 60 kPa, respectively. When production began in 1986, trees were either irrigated until harvest (1-7 Aug.) or until October. Beginning in 1989, class A pan evaporation was used to schedule irrigation by replacing 60% of evaporation. Trees were irrigated from budbreak to harvest or October, from beginning of stage III fruit growth until harvest or October, or trees were not irrigated. The irrigation treatments were in factorial combination using sod middles, with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiforum Lam.) seeded under the trees or a sod-herbicide strip. The ryegrass was seeded in October, then killed at the onset of stage III fruit growth. Water application was reduced 32% to 57% when irrigation was discontinued after harvest compared to irrigation until October. Irrigation before stage III fruit growth did not affect fruit yield, size, or pruning weights compared to trees irrigated at the onset of stage III fruit growth. Trunk size was increased by irrigation; however, there were no differences in trunk size among irrigation treatments. Irrigation occasionally increased fruit size and yield compared to no irrigation. There were few differences in flower bud density, fruit set, yield, or fruit size among trees with reduced irrigation schedules compared to trees receiving irrigation from budbreak until October. Annual ryegrass decreased shoot growth in 1990 and flower bud density in 1991; however, fruit set was not affected. Annual ryegrass depleted excess soil moisture during the spring in some years, then conserved soil moisture after it was killed. Using sod with annual ryegrass under the trees may be a viable alternative to management with sodherbicide strips.

scholarly journals CHEMICAL THINNING OF `GRANNY SMITH' APPLE

HortScience ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1121G-1121
Author(s):  
Warren C. Micke ◽  
Joseph A. Grant ◽  
Maxwell V. Norton ◽  
James T. Yeager
Keyword(s):  
Active Ingredient ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Growth ◽  
Naphthaleneacetic Acid ◽  
Fresh Market ◽  
Return Bloom

Under California conditions `Granny Smith' apple does not “self-thin” sufficiently to promote good return bloom nor to provide fruit size desired for the fresh market. Preliminary studies conducted during 1985-87 indicated that 1-naphthyl N-methylcarbamate (carbaryl), 1-naphthaleneacetic Acid (NAA), and 1-naphthaleneacetamide (NAD) could be useful for thinning `Granny Smith'. Detailed studies conducted in 1988 and 89 using dilute handgun applications demonstrated that all 3 materials provided reasonable thinning as shown by fruit set counts. NAA and NAD tended to slow fruit growth as compared to carbaryl. Carbaryl tended to uniformly thin clusters while NAA and NAD were more likely to remove all the fruit from some clusters and few fruit from others, especially in 1988. Compared to the control, all materials applied in 1988 improved return bloom in 1989 with carbaryl having a slightly greater effect than NAA and NAD. As a result of these studies carbaryl at 1.7 to 2.2 kg (active ingredient) per ha as a dilute application is being suggested for grower trials in California.

scholarly journals 657 Relationship between Intensity of Flowering and Cropping in Fruit and Nuts

HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 561C-561
Author(s):  
E.W. Stover
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Set ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Commercial Application ◽  
Critical Periods ◽  
Alternate Bearing ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Fruit Thinning ◽  
Small Fruit ◽  
Substantial Investment ◽  
Flowering Intensity

The relationship between intensity of flowering and various aspects of cropping will be reviewed for fruit and nuts. Clearly, relatively light flowering can limit yield in most fruit and nut species. This commonly occurs before mature bearing commences and in “off” years for varieties that display alternate bearing. During mature bearing, many species will carry fruit numbers that exceed commercially desired levels, resulting in excessively small fruit and accentuating alternate bearing. The economic disadvantages of excess cropload have resulted in considerable research on fruit thinning and widespread commercial application of this practice. Heavy flowering intensity in some crop species results in economic disadvantages beyond the problems of excessive cropload and resultant small fruit size. Many species flower profusely and have initial fruit set far in excess of final tree capacity, resulting in abscission of numerous flowers and fruitlets. Abscised organs can represent a substantial investment in carbohydrates and nutrients, compromising availability at critical periods in flower and fruit development. The potential implications of this process are best exemplified in navel orange, where an increase in flowering beyond intermediate intensity results in a reduction in both initial fruit set and final fruit yield at harvest. In several crops, there is evidence that fruit size may be reduced by excessive flowering, even when cropload is quickly adjusted to an acceptable level. These data suggest that further research on the advantages of controlling flowering intensity is warranted.

scholarly journals APPLE FRUIT CHEMICAL THINNING IN CHIHUAHUA, MÉXICO

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 243
Author(s):  
David I. Berlanga-Reyes ◽  
Alejandro Romo-Chacón ◽  
Ángel R. Martínez-Campos ◽  
Víctor M. Guerrero-Prieto
Keyword(s):  
Fish Oil ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Apple Fruit ◽  
Naphthalene Acetic Acid ◽  
Alternate Bearing ◽  
Fruit Thinning ◽  
Equatorial Diameter ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
Golden Delicious

Chemical fruit thinning is a common practice in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) orchards for achieving high quality fruits, reduced costs of hand-thinning and promote return of flowering. Hand thinning is a common and high cost practice, not only due to the labor involved, but also because seedling and vigorous clonal rootstocks result in large trees. The chemical thinning agents: Ethephon (ETH), Carbaryl (CB), Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 6- Benzyladenine (6-BA), and fish oil were evaluated on ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘RedChief Delicious’ apple trees in 2004 and 2005. Chemical thinning effect was compared with early and late handthinnings. Treatments were sprayed when the biggest fruit in the clusters was 10 mm in equatorial diameter. NAA showed the best effect in reducing final fruit set in both cultivars and years evaluated, with results comparable to those of early hand-thinning (thinned when king-fruit size was 10 mm) in ‘Golden Delicious’ trees. In ‘RedChief Delicious’, fruit set reduction by NAA, fish oil and CB treatments was similar to early hand-thinned trees only in 2005. In 2005, time spent during supplementary hand-thinning in ‘Golden Delicious’ trees was reduced by chemical thinning treatments, except by fish oil; whereas in ‘RedChief Delicious’ only NAA K-salt reduced it in 2004. An increase in fruit equatorial diameter was observed only in 2004 with NAA and fish oil. Alternate bearing, typical of ‘Golden Delicious’, was not diminished by these chemical thinning treatments.

scholarly journals The Potential Use of Metamitron as a Chemical Fruit-thinning Agent in Mandarin

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ockert P.J. Stander ◽  
Johané Botes ◽  
Cornelius Krogscheepers
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Set ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Trees ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Citrus Reticulata ◽  
Alternate Bearing ◽  
Fruit Thinning ◽  
Total Carbohydrates ◽  
Leaf Carbohydrates ◽  
Potential Use

Under conditions of profuse flowering and excessive fruit set, citrus (Citrus sp.) fruit need to be thinned to increase the size of remaining fruit, reduce the intensity of alternate bearing, or both. Metamitron was recently developed as a chemical fruit-thinning agent for apple (Malus ×domestica) and pear (Pyrus communis), and it inhibits photosynthesis and is thought to transiently reduce the carbohydrate pool in fruit trees. Citrus trees are sensitive to carbohydrate stress during and immediately after flowering, but the response of citrus to foliar treatment with a photosynthesis inhibitor, such as metamitron, is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate metamitron for its effects on leaf carbohydrates and its ability to chemically thin citrus fruitlets. Significant fruit-thinning effects were found in all the experiments conducted over two seasons. A 300 mg·L−1 metamitron treatment reduced leaf sugars and leaf total carbohydrates, and consistently reduced the total number of fruit per tree in both seasons in ‘Nadorcott’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata), irrespective of the timing of application. In the second season, a reduction in fruit yield was reported with an increase in metamitron concentration, both in mass and number of fruit per tree. A 150 mg·L−1 metamitron treatment in November had no fruit-thinning effects, and fruit yield was not different from the control. The application of metamitron did not increase the fruit size of ‘Nadorcott’ mandarin and had no direct effect on other fruit quality attributes in either season. Metamitron can be used as a chemical fruit-thinning agent to reduce fruit numbers in ‘Nadorcott’ mandarin, but an increase in fruit size or quality should not be expected.

scholarly journals Relationship of Flowering Intensity and Cropping in Fruit Species

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 729-732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ed Stover
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Set ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Commercial Application ◽  
Critical Periods ◽  
Alternate Bearing ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Fruit Species ◽  
Small Fruit ◽  
Full Production ◽  
Flowering Intensity

The relationship between intensity of flowering and various aspects of cropping are reviewed for fruit species. Relatively light flowering can limit yield in most fruit species. This commonly occurs in young trees that have not achieved full production and in “off” years for varieties that display alternate bearing. When trees mature, many species will carry fruit numbers that exceed commercially desired levels, resulting in excessively small fruit and accentuating alternate bearing. The economic disadvantages of excess cropload have resulted in considerable research on fruit thinning and widespread commercial application of this practice. Heavy flowering intensity in some crop species results in economic disadvantages beyond the problems of excessive cropload and resultant small fruit size. Many species flower profusely and have initial fruit set that greatly exceeds tree capacity, resulting in abscission of numerous flowers and fruitlets. Abscised organs can represent a substantial amount of carbohydrates and nutrients, compromising availability of these materials at critical periods in flower and fruit development. The potential implications of this process are best exemplified in `Navel' orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck], where an increase in flowering beyond intermediate intensity results in a reduction in both initial fruit set and final fruit yield at harvest. In several species, there is evidence that fruit size may be reduced by excessive flowering, even when cropload is quickly adjusted to an acceptable level. These data suggest that further research on the advantages of controlling flowering intensity is warranted.

scholarly journals 518 Regulating Fruit Set and Maturity of `Macoun' Apples

HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 535A-535
Author(s):  
J.R. Schupp
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Set ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Apple Cultivar ◽  
Fruit Firmness ◽  
Alternate Bearing ◽  
Northeastern United States ◽  
Fruit Characteristics ◽  
Small Fruit ◽  
Red Color ◽  
Fruit Maturity

`Macoun' is a high-value apple cultivar in the northeastern United States that is very difficult to produce. It is difficult to thin and prone to alternate bearing. `Macoun' is also prone to preharvest drop. Small fruit size, bruising, and lack of red color are additional obstacles to profitable production. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of two chemical thinning treatments—accel plus carbaryl, or NAA plus carbaryl—with an untreated control. A second objective was to evaluate the efficacy of ReTain for delaying `Macoun' fruit maturity and to determine if there was an interaction between ReTain and thinning treatment on fruit characteristics at harvest. Both thinning treatments were effective in reducing fruit set in 1997. Accel plus carbaryl was effective again in 1998, while NAA plus carbaryl over-thinned. Accel increased fruit size in 1997 compared to unthinned controls, and both thinning treatments increased fruit size in 1998. Accel increased fruit firmness in both years. ReTain reduced preharvest drop and delayed fruit maturity both years. In 1997, firmness was greatest for fruit treated with accel and ReTain, while ReTain had no effect on firmness of fruit from NAA thinned trees. ReTain had no effect on fruit firmness in 1998.

scholarly journals Carbohydrate Supply as a Limiting Factor for Citrus Fruit Growth and Productivity

HortScience ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 550E-551
Author(s):  
Eliezer E. Goldschmidt
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Set ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Citrus Fruit ◽  
Threshold Level ◽  
Fruit Trees ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Alternate Bearing ◽  
Flower Bud ◽  
Developmental Features

Carbohydrates fulfill several roles in plants; as building stones, as a source of energy, and also, as recently demonstrated, as modulators of gene expression. Primary, photosynthetic production of carbohydrates (as well as their release from tree reserves) is linked with the carbohydrate-consuming processes through complex feedback and feedforward regulatory loops. With horticultural productivity as the goal, maximum resources must be diverted toward reproductive processes. Persistence of viable vegetative structures must be secured, however, to enable the function of tree systems and ensure the tree's potential for future years. Thus, in the carbohydrate resource allocation of fruit trees, a delicate balance must be maintained between the vegetative and reproductive needs. Flowering, fruit set, and fruit enlargement have been identified as three distinct, critical stages within the annual course of yield formation in citrus. While each of these stages has its own, salient developmental features, all require considerable amounts of energy and their occurrence is dependent, at least to some extent, on the availability of carbohydrates. Whereas flower bud differentiation may require only a threshold level of carbohydrates, floral development and anthesis consume large amounts of carbohydrates due to the very large number of flowers per tree and their high rates of respiration. Fruit set is more closely linked to carbohydrate levels. Fruitlet abscission acts as a self-thinning, feedback mechanism to adjust the tree's fruit population to the carbohydrate supply. This mechanism does not operate properly in certain mandarin cultivars, resulting in alternate bearing. The acquisition of fruit size appears to be most directly correlated with the availability of photosynthate. Elimination of alternative sinks by extreme thinning and girdling brings about tremendous increases in fruit size. The fruit's vascular system also expands in response to the increase in photosynthate availability. A dynamic model has been constructed to provide a quantitative analysis of citrus trees' carbon balance during the annual productivity cycle.

scholarly journals CHEMICAL THINNING OF `GRANNY SMITH' APPLE

HortScience ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1121g-1121
Author(s):  
Warren C. Micke ◽  
Joseph A. Grant ◽  
Maxwell V. Norton ◽  
James T. Yeager
Keyword(s):  
Active Ingredient ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Growth ◽  
Naphthaleneacetic Acid ◽  
Fresh Market ◽  
Return Bloom

Under California conditions `Granny Smith' apple does not “self-thin” sufficiently to promote good return bloom nor to provide fruit size desired for the fresh market. Preliminary studies conducted during 1985-87 indicated that 1-naphthyl N-methylcarbamate (carbaryl), 1-naphthaleneacetic Acid (NAA), and 1-naphthaleneacetamide (NAD) could be useful for thinning `Granny Smith'. Detailed studies conducted in 1988 and 89 using dilute handgun applications demonstrated that all 3 materials provided reasonable thinning as shown by fruit set counts. NAA and NAD tended to slow fruit growth as compared to carbaryl. Carbaryl tended to uniformly thin clusters while NAA and NAD were more likely to remove all the fruit from some clusters and few fruit from others, especially in 1988. Compared to the control, all materials applied in 1988 improved return bloom in 1989 with carbaryl having a slightly greater effect than NAA and NAD. As a result of these studies carbaryl at 1.7 to 2.2 kg (active ingredient) per ha as a dilute application is being suggested for grower trials in California.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document