Effect of morphactin IT 3456 (methyl-2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-(9)-carboxylate) on parthenocarpic fruit development of tomatoes

Abstract

It was found that parthenocarpy could be induced by morphactin IT 3456 (0.5 and 1 ppm) in prior emasculated flowers, those left to free-pollination and even flowers pollinated with the pollen of control plants (New Yorker). When morphactin IT 3456 in 0.5 and 1 ppm concentrations was used 88% and 100% of parthenocarpy was noted in the greenhouse, respectively (Earliest of All). The higest percentage of parthenocarpy in the total number of fruits in the field was recorded in the 'New Yorker' variety. The lowest percentage of parthenocarpy was observed in the variety 903. The symptoms of the destructive influence of morphactin IT 3456 (0.5 and 1 ppm) on plant development were noted, but they were stronger in the greenhouse than in the field.