Preliminary evaluation of low ethephon doses for inducing fruit abscission of macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) cv. A16. (243)

Abstract

High doses of ethephon promote fruit abscission of the late-abscising macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) cv. A16. Concerns that associated leaf abscission may reduce subsequent yield led to an evaluation of low ethephon doses for inducing fruit abscission. A wide range of doses (600-1200 mg L-1, or four sequential applications of 300 mg L-1) reduced fruit removal force and accelerated fruit abscission. However, subsequent yield and quality were not affected.