Co-Authors:
Szafran, E., Department of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
Levy, Y., Department of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
Zilkah, S., Institute of Horticulture and Ornamental Plants, ARO, Volcani Center, Beth Dagan 50250, Israel
Abstract:
Fruit thinning in peach and nectarine industry is essential to produce fruit of commercial value. Hand thinning is a major limiting factor because its high labor and money demand. Several compounds have shown a chemical thinning potential activity by improving fruit quality with less hand labor expenses. However, chemical thinning is not commonly accepted in commercial orchards because its non-reproducible results. The overall aim of the present research was to develop diagnostic indicators for tree susceptibility to chemical thinning under stress conditions. The results indicated a possibility to develop an indicator of the physiological tree condition, based on physical and biochemical measures, that will help to define the proper treatment conditions in order to achieve the expected tree's response to chemical thinning.