Effect of phytoregulators on vegetative characteristics of ‘packham’s triumph’ pear trees

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the use of phytoregulators in vegetative characteristics of ‘Packham’s Triumph’ pear trees in both 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 cycles. The orchard, was implemented in 2011. The following phytoregulators and doses were used: Ethephon and 6-Benzyladenine at 100, 200, 300 and 400 ml L-1. The experiment had a randomized block design with five replicates. Each experimental unit was composed of a plant. Variables under evaluation were leaf area, annual branch length, annual branch diameter, number of buds on the annual branch, internode length, fertility index and trunk cross section areas of the crown cultivar and of the rootstock. Only the following variables exhibited significance: leaf area, annual branch length and number of buds in plants treated with Ethephon in the 2015/2016 cycle. Leaf area was smaller when high concentrations of Ethephon were applied while the least efficient doses for annual branch length and number of buds were 162.66 ml L-1 and 107.30 ml L-1, respectively