Production, florescence and fruitfication of Pokan mandarin tree submitted to gibberellic acid application

The florescence and the production of tangerines are influenced by the last production. So, the inhibition of an excessive florescence can avoid a great production and the exhaustion of the plant reserves, contributing to a more uniform production every year. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the reduction of the florescence in Ponkan mandarin trees upon the production of fruits in two consecutive productions. The results demonstrated that the gibberellic acid application reduced the flower production and increased the percentage of fruit production in relation to the year with an excessive flowering. The application of the gibberellic acid around 90-150 days before the full flowering period can contribute to the reduction of the effect of the production alternance.

Citrus reticulata; production alternance; fruit set; gibberellins; growth regulator