Abstract

STEFFENS, Cristiano André et al. Maturation and postharvest quality of 'laetitia'plums with preharvest treatment of AVG and GA₃. Rev. Bras. Frutic. [online]. 2011, vol.33, n.1, pp. 21-31. ISSN 0100-2945.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-29452011000100004.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of preharvest spraying of Japanese plum trees (Prunus salicina, cv. Laetitia) with aminoethoxyvinilglycine [AVG; at 0, 90, and 125 mg L^-1] and giberellic acid [GA₃; at 0 and 100 mg L^-1] on maturation and fruit quality after cold storage. The experiment followed a randomized block design, with six treatments (three doses of AVG x two doses of GA₃) and four replicates. The sprayings with GA₃ and AVG were performed at 28 and seven days before first fruit harvesting, respectively. Experiment was carried out during the years of 2007 and 2009. Fruits were harvested 3 times, being 01/11/2007, 01/17/2007 and 01/25/2007 (commercial harvest) 2007, and 01/15/2009, 01/22/2009 (commercial harvest) e 01/29/2009, in 2009. At 2007, fruits of the last harvest were stored in commercial cold storage during 22 days (0.5ºC/92% RH), followed by five days of shelf life (23ºC/60% RH). Delays in harvesting induces of fruit ripening, however preharvest treatment only with AVG (125 mg L^-1) singly or GA₃, followed or not by the application of AVG, delay fruit ripening of 'Laetitia' plums plant. Preharvest spraying of 'Laetitia' plum trees with GA₃ followed by the application of AVG preserves the consistence of the pulp fruit after cold storage.

Keywords : Prunus salicina; growth regulators; ethylene.