Redução da poda hibernal e aumento da produção de pereiras 'Hosui' pelo uso de prohexadiona cálcio

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the vegetative growth control and fruit production capacity of 'Hosui' pear, in response to prohexadione calcium use in Southern Brazil climate conditions. Different concentrations of prohexadione calcium (0, 275, 550, and 825 g ha-1) were applied on eleven-year-old 'Hosui' pear trees grafted on Pyrus calleryana rootstock. The use of prohexadione calcium was effective in controlling the vegetative growth of 'Hosui' pears and decreased winter pruning, by reducing total weight and number of pruned shoots. The control of vegetative growth, by prohexadione calcium use, favors the increase of fruit production capacity of 'Hosui' pears, mainly at 550 g ha-1 concentration.