Giving Apples A Boost: A new growth regulator is helping apple growers reach quality goals

摘要

SIZE, color, crispness, taste, storability. These are all qualities apple growers strive for year after year, applying all the inputs and know-how available to reach their goal of getting the highest price at the warehouse. "Varieties have been developed to help meet buyers' demands, but we still need tools to meet the criteria," says independent consultant Ron Britt of Ron Britt & Associates, Inc., in Yakima, WA. "We have problems with trees that are overly vigorous, and sizing can be a challenge, too, especially with Galas," even with the use of thinners and PGRs, he says.