Improved Yield, Fruit Quality, and Shelf Life in 'Flame Seedless' Grapevine with Pre-Harvest Foliar Applications of Forchlorfenuron, Gibberellic Acid, and Abscisic Acid

Abstract

The effect of gibberellic acid (GA3), forchlorfenuron (CPPU), and abscisic acid (ABA) on the parameters of yield of 'Flame Seedless' grapes was investigated. The clusters of 8-year-old grapevines were sprayed with solutions: GA3 at 25 mg·dm-3, CPPU at 10 mg·dm-3, and ABA at 300 mg·dm-3, alone or in combinations. GA3 and CPPU treatment increased yield, cluster weight and length, berry weight and diameter, as well as fruit firmness, but reduced the total soluble solids (TSS) and intensity of berry color. Anthocyanin content of berries treated with GA3 and CPPU increased significantly by ABA treatment. Shelf life was increased by GA3 and CPPU treatments, as they decreased the percentage of weight loss, shattering, and unmarketable berries after storing at 20 °C for 7 days. Thus, it can be concluded that the combined use of GA3, CPPU, and ABA may be an efficient practice for fruit enlargement, coloration, and keeping quality in 'Flame Seedless' grape.