The use of techniques for controlling fruit maturation is critical in the production of 'Gala' apples in order to increase postharvest fruit preservation and reduce preharvest fruit drop. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations, application times and multiple applications of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) on maturation and preharvest fruit drop of 'Imperial Gala' apples. The experiment was carried out in a commercial orchard in the municipality of Fraiburgo, SC, Brazil. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design, with five replications of individual trees. The following treatments were evaluated: 1. control (no application); 2. 120 g ha-1 of AVG sprayed four weeks before the predicted harvest date (WBPH); 3. 60 g ha-1 of AVG (4 WBPH) + 60 g ha-1 of AVG (2 WBPH); 4. 30 g ha-1 of AVG (2 WBPH) + 30 g ha-1 of AVG at predict harvest (PH); 5. 90 g ha-1 of AVG (2 WBPH); e 6. 30 g ha-1 of AVG (1 WBPH) + 30 g ha-1 of AVG (predict harvest - PH) + 30 g ha-1 of AVG (seven days after predict harvest - DAPH). Regardless of application time, concentration, single or multiple spray applications, the use of AVG reduced the preharvest fruit drop of 'Imperial Gala' apples. The color change on fruit surface was lower in fruits treated with AVG. The harvest delay caused by AVG treatments increased the mean fruit weight, and best results were obtained with application of 30 g ha-1 of AVG (1 WBPH) + 30 g ha-1 of AVG (PH) + 30 g ha-1 of AVG (7 DAPH).
Aminoethoxyvinylglycine; fruit abscission; fruit quality; harvest management; Malus domestica Borkhausen
