Application of Gibberelic acid (GA3) on preharvest of ‘Ponkan’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) fruit - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v28i1.1297

Abstract

The experiment was carried out in a commercial orchard of ‘Ponkan’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco), grafted on ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin (Citrus reshni Hort. ex Tan.), in Pratânia, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The utilized experimental design was composed of randomized blocks of four replications. The treatments consisted of: 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg L¹ of Gibberellic acid (GA₃). Atomizer equipment was utilized for the application of the treatments. Each plant received 5.9 liters of solution, in which 0.03% of nonionic surfactant with 25% of alkylphenol ethoxylate was added, in order to change fruit coloration. The analyses of fruit quality were developed on the 13th, 45th, 75th and 111th days after the application of the treatments (DAT). Results showed that the application of GA₃ did not affect fruit fresh mass, total soluble solids content, total titulable acidity and ratio. However, a delay in fruit harvesting was verified, which was induced by the physiological effect of Gibberellic acid.