PROHEXADIONE-CA: MORE THAN A GROWTH REGULATOR FOR POME FRUIT TREES

This paper summarizes the results of several years’ experiences with prohexadione-Ca (ProCa) in pear and apple. ProCa was applied to optimize vegetative/reproductive performances and to induce resistance to diseases and pests. The experiments were mainly carried out in the Po Valley area (Emilia-Romagna, Italy). ProCa controlled shoot growth and positively affected, in most of the trials, yield and fruit quality. ProCa also induced resistance against apple scab and fire blight under controlled as well as orchard conditions.