Improving fruit size and quality of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) cv. Pineapple through auxin sprays

Abstract

A field study was undertaken to investigate the effect of auxin sprays on fruit size and quality of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) cv. Pineapple during the year 2015–16 at the experimental orchard of the University. Exogenous application of 2,4-D @ 20 ppm and NAA @ 50 ppm at the end of April and July increased the percentage of medium size fruits, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and fruit physical quality with respect to peel thickness and peel content. However, chemical quality in terms of TSS, acidity and ascorbic acid was not affected by any treatment and spray schedule. The foliar application of 2,4-D 20 ppm at the end of April and July gave highest additional income over control.

Keywords

• Auxin
• Foliar spray
• Fruit size
• NAA
• Sweet orange