THE EFFECT OF 2, 4-DP ON FRUIT-DEVELOPMENT IN APRICOTS (PRUNUS-ARMENIACA L)

The application of 25 mg l-1 2, 4-DP (2, 4-diclorophenoxypropionic acid butylglycol ester) at pit hardening, increased final fruit size and advanced fruit maturation in apricots. Fifteen days after treatment the differences in diameter between control and treated fruit reached a maximum and remained constant until harvest. This effect coincided with a decrease in leaf weight and, at an advanced stage of development, leaf area. This suggests a competitive relationship between fruit development and vegetative growth, although a direct effect of 2, 4-DP on fruit development cannot be discarded.