Thinning is performed in 'Ponkan' mandarin to increase fruit size and thus enhancing the market value. The aim of this research was to evaluate Ethephon different concentrations effect on chemical thinning of the mandarin fruits 'Ponkan' attempting reduce fruits number by plant and to increase the uniformity of remaining fruits. Five Ethephon concentrations were tested: 0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 mg L-1, on two fruits developmental stages: 30 mm and 40 mm of diameter. The experiment was set in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, being the factors five Ethephon concentrations and two developments stages, randomized block with four replications. The Ethephon application promoted the fruits abscission in every the concentrations analyzed. The efficiency higher in thinning was observed in the Ethephon concentrations above 300 mg L-1. The remaining fruits showed better uniformity favoring higher commercial yield.
Citrus reticulata; phytoregulators; fruit size; Ethephon
