THE EFFECT OF 2, 4-DP ON FRUIT-DEVELOPMENT IN APRICOTS (PRUNUS-ARMENIACA L)

The application of 25 mg l-1 2, 4-DP (2, 4-diclorophenoxypropionic aci d butylglycol ester) at pit hardening, increased final fruit size and advanced fruit maturation in apricots. Fifteen days after treatment th e differences in diameter between control and treated fruit reached a maximum and remained constant until harvest. This effect coincided wit h a decrease in leaf weight and, at an advanced stage of development, leaf area. This suggests a competitive relationship between fruit deve lopment and vegetative growth, although a direct effect of 2, 4-DP on fruit development cannot be discarded.