GA3 AND 2,4-D PROLONG ON-TREE STORAGE OF CITRUS IN MOROCCO

The ability of gibberellic acid (GA3) (10 mg l-1) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) (16 mg l-1) to control fruit drop and delay rind softening was tested on four citrus cultivars under Moroccan roccan conditions. GA3 delayed fruit coloration and rind softening for each cultivar. 2,4-D alone did not have any effect on fruit coloration, slightly delayed rind softening and significantly reduced fruit drop. Both compounds had long-lasting effects. GA3 slightly reduced the effectiveness of 2,4-D as a fruit-drop control agent. The combination of 2,4-D plus GA3 lengthened on-tree fruit storage and extended the harvest season. © 1990.