Utilization of the growth regulator Flordimex in different economic crops in Cuba.
Winkler J., Seoane R., Pérez A., Lara P. F. R.
Author Affiliation: Instituto de Investigaciones Fundamentales en Agricultura Tropical 'Alejandro de Humboldt', Cuba.
: 22-26
Abstract : Results are reported of trials on the use of Flordimex (ethephon) in mangoes, Pinus caribaea and onions. Fruits of 3 slow-ripening mango cultivars (Haden, Superhaden and Reina de México) and 3 fast-ripening cultivars (Chino, Corazón and Filipino) were dipped in 0.05-0.2% Flordimex (420 g ethephon/litre) for 2 min, and then stored for 9 days at 12°C. The fruits were ripened at 27-30° after storage. Fruits treated with 0.2% Flordimex were ripe 8-10 days (1987 trial) and 3 days (1988 trial) after removal from cold storage, whereas control (untreated) fruits were not fully ripe 15 days after removal from cold storage. Residues of ethephon in fruit peel and flesh 0-10 days after application are tabulated; the highest residue level recorded in the flesh was 0.22 mg/kg. Anthracnose (Glomerella spp.) infection developed earlier in treated fruits, but the final incidence of the disease was similar in treated and control fruits. In trials between 1986 and 1988 with 20-year-old P. caribaea trees, 8.0% Flordimex applied at tapping increased resin yields by an average of 45% and increased profits by $228.00/ha. Flordimex at 2, 3 or 4 litres/ha was applied to onion plants (cv. Caribe 71) when the flower stalk had reached a height of 5-10 cm. Flordimex at 3 and 4 litres/ha reduced flower stalk height by 11-18% and 16-22%, respectively, reduced the number of collapsed stalks, and increased umbel diameter and the number of seeds/umbel.