Effect of Foliar Applications of Some Growth Regulators on Flowering, Fruit Production and Quality of Wichita and Western Schley Pecan Cultivars

摘要

THIS STUDY was conducted in the Experimental farm at El-Kanater El-Khayria Research Station, Qalyubeia Governorate during 2005 & 2006 seasons to study the effect of Dormex (Hydrogen Cyanamide) spraying at 1% or 2 % concentrations supplemented with Ethrel at 750 ppm on flowering, harvesting time and their relation to yield and fruit quality of two pecan cvs. i.e. Wichita and Western Schley. Dormex treatments were applied at the end of January and Ethrel at the first week of September. Results showed that, all treatments increased bud opening percentage and advanced flowering and harvesting time as compared with control. Dormex at 2 % treatment was the most effective. Percentage of pre-harvest nut germination decreased. Fruit set, number of fruits/tree, yield (kg/tree), fruit physical characteristics expressed as fruit weight, kernel %, fruit dimensions and oil content were improved by ail treatments as compared with control. Dormex at 2 % alone or supplemented with Ethrel at 750 surpassed other treatments. Applications of Dormex associated with 750 ppm Ethrel were more effective in enhancing shuck dehiscence rate and hastened harvest time. It can be concluded that, pecan fruits can be harvested earlier (about two weeks) when the trees are sprayed with Dormex (2 %) at the end of January and followed by Ethrel spraying at 750 ppm on first of September without any effect on pecan fruit quality.