Effects of Various Chemicals on Dormancy, Maturity and Thinning of Peaches

Abstract

Effects of 5 chemicals on the reduction of dormancy and early maturity of peaches were studied for 3 years under the desert climatic condition of Southwest Arizona. CuSO4, urea and particularly hydrogen cyanamide reduced the dormancy and enhanced blooming. Application of hydrogen cyanamide in October induced full bloom in November (1 month after application) and produced fruit. Late November was the most appropriate time for application of hydrogen cyanamide, and fruit were harvested 10 days before normal time in April. No difference was found between 5% and 3% (V/V) of hydrogen cyanamide in the time of blooming; however, rate at 5% always caused some phytotoxicity. Application of hydrogen cyanamide at 1% before bloom and at full bloom produced the same size of commercially packed fruit as hand-thinned ones.