Preharvest Drop Control and Maturity of ‘Delicious’ Apples as Affected by Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG)

Abstract Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) applied 2–8 weeks before anticipated harvest significantly reduced preharvest drop of ‘Delicious’ apples. AVG did not affect fruit weight, and it lowered soluble solids slightly in only one of two years. AVG can be considered a legitimate replacement for daminozide for commercial use on ‘Delicious’ apples. AVG and daminozide were comparable in reducing preharvest drop and delaying ripening. AVGappeared to reduce watercore development more than daminozide, while daminozide was more effective at retarding flesh firmness loss on the tree.