G. S. Howell, B. Stergios, S. S. Stackhouse
Mar 1, 1976
Citations
1
Influential Citations
9
Citations
Journal
Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science
Abstract
Application of (2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid (ethephon) reduced fruit removal force (FRF) as much as 50% depending on concentration and time of application. Reduction in FRF allowed reduced mechanical harvesting vibration frequency which reduced damage to berries during harvest and thus increased shelf-life. Mechanical harvest was further facilitated by ethephon-induced color development and hastening of abscission which reduced the number of machine harvests required.