PHYSIOLOGICAL MODEL - A CITRUS HARVEST AID FOR 'VALENCIA' FRUITS

A model is presented to demonstrate the interrelationships between abscission of Valencia oranges induced by 'Release' (5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole) and environmental factors, the physiological state of the fruit, the metabolism of the compound, and the stimulation of endogenous ethylene production. Such a model could help the grower decide when the use of 'Release' is justified.