Satsuma mandarin fruit (Citrus unshiu Marc.), treated with gibberellic acid
(GA(3)) and benzyl-adenine (BA) in late June, resulted in a significantly
rough rind at harvest, whereas the mid-July treatment did not. Hence, earli
er and higher concentrations of GA(3) had a greater effect on causing rough
rind and subsequent fruit growth than the late, low concentrations. Applic
ation of GA(3) in early July to a part of the fruit caused a rough rind onl
y where the growth regulator was applied. Dwarf rice assay of the rind of u
pward fruit in late June, which bears the rough surface, revealed that the
GA content was significantly higher than the rind of sideward fruit which i
s smooth. However, no significant difference in GA contents existed in the
rind between upward and sideward fruit in mid-July and early August.