Influence of Ethrel on Phenological Development in Hoe

Abstract

The influence of ethrel on the phenological development of mature honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa) was studied from February 15, 1971, through May 8, 1972. Ethrel (250 ppm) applied in aqueous solution in winter or early spring of 1972 decreased flower production during the spring, 1972. Ethrel applied as a pretreatment, therefore, could be quite important in relation to chemical control of honey mesquite since herbicidal mesquite kills are inversely proportional to flower production. Ethrel did not affect any other phenological event nor did it exhibit any ability to synchronize the phenological events in honey mesquite.