The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of hydrogen cyanamide (CH2N2) on the chemical thinning of peach-tree flowers and fruits of Eldorado cultivar. Six-year plants localized at Agricultural Center of Palma - UFPel were used and conducted in vase with spacing of 6.0 x 4.0m. Treatments with 0, 0.15, 0.3, 0.45 and 0.6% of CH2N2 were sprayed on randomly selected shoots until drip point, when 100% of the flowers were totally blown. Dormex (52% of hydrogen cyanamide) was the commercial chemical used. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with three replications. Percentage of flowers thinned 36 days after chemical application and percentage of thinned fruits, mean fruit weight, color, diameter, flesh firmness and total soluble solids at harvest time were evaluated. It was observed statistical difference among treatments on the thinning of flowers. The use of CH2N2 0.5% showed high intensity of thinning (50,96%). Differences were also observed for the percentage of thinned fruits, however, the highest thinning was reached at 9.53% of CH2N2 0.6%. Fruit weight increased with chemical thinning, however, no changes in total soluble solids, color and fruit flesh firmness were observed.
thinning; peach; hydrogen cyanamide
