A report on the use of growth regulating chemicals in fruit production : Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma of Horticultural Management at Lincoln College

Abstract

There is no substitute in fruit production for good husbandry practices and management techniques, however, the use of plant growth regulators can improve productivity of existing plantings and assist in the development of more efficient growing systems. The growth regulators covered in this report have shown to have a wide range of beneficial effects such as increased yields (up to 100%), higher fruit quality, better shape and size at harvest, with no abnormal side effects. They are also generally effective on a wide range of plants and species which means they can be incorporated into the production of almost any commercial fruit crop. The economic benefits obtained are exciting for producers. The lower establishment costs and higher productivity will allow potential growers with low equity to buy an orchard and be successful. The use of these chemicals has worried people about their effect on the environment, but because they are applied at such low concentrations and have relatively short persistence, if used correctly they will harm neither man nor his environment.