CPPU application on size and quality of hardy kiwifruit

• Published in: Scientia horticulturae 2006-10, Vol.110 (2), p.219-222
• Main Authors: Kim, J.G., Takami, Y., Mizugami, T., Beppu, K., Fukuda, T., Kataoka, I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: abscission; Actinidia arguta; Actinidia deliciosa; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; application rate; application timing; ascorbic acid; Baby kiwi; Biological and medical sciences; Cytokinin; flowers; Forchlorfenuron; Fruit growth; fruit quality; fruits (plant anatomy); Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; kiwifruit; phenylurea compounds; plant cultural practices; plant growth substances; shape; soluble solids; titratable acidity; weight
• ISSN: 0304-4238; 1879-1018
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2006.06.017

For the purpose of determining the appropriate conditions of application to increase the size of a hardy kiwifruit, Actinidia arguta ‘Mitsuko’, N 1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)- N 3-phenylurea (CPPU) was applied at three different growth stages of the crop: at petal fall, 10 and 25 days after petal fall (DAPF), and three different concentrations: 1, 5 and 10 mg l −1. A significant increase in fruit size was obtained by treatment at the concentrations of 5–10 mg l −1 and at 10 DAPF. The fruit weight doubled. Although a significant reduction in the concentrations of total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acids (TA) and ascorbic acid (AsA) in the CPPU-treated fruits was recorded, the TSS/TA ratio and AsA content per fruit increased by the treatment. CPPU application at petal fall induced abnormally protruding fruit tip.