Vol. 11, Issue 2 (2022)

Author(s):
Ashok Kumar Mahawer, Jagdish Yadav and NK Arora

Abstract:
The current investigations entitled “Effect of pre-harvest application of hydrogen cyanamide and abscisic acid (ABA) on fruit quality of Flame Seedless grapes’’ were carried out in the Fruit Research farm and Viticulture Laboratory, Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2015 fruiting season. The study was conducted on 14-year-old vines of Flame Seedless grapes planted at 3m X 3m distance. The hydrogen cyanamide @ 2 per cent active ingredient was sprayed on canes of pruned vines immediately after pruning. In all the treatments 75-80 bunches were retained at time of bunches emergences; while in control (110-120 bunches/vine) were retained. The berry weight (3.1 g) was recorded significantly higher in treatment T₃ (HCN 2% + 100 ppm ABA) than control (100% crop load). The maximum TSS, TSS: acid ratio, was also recorded in T₃ (HCN 2 per cent + 100 ppm ABA). In the storage studies the highest mean TSS (18.1) and lowest mean acidity (0.57) was recorded in treatment T3 (HCN 2% + 100 ppm ABA). The present study suggested that pre-harvest treatment of 2 per cent HCN (at end of December) + 100 ppm ABA (at veraison stage) was helpful in advancement of ripening and improvement in fruit quality with minimum deterioration in fruit quality during marketing.