USE OF PLANT-GROWTH REGULATORS TO CONTROL FLOWERING IN CITRUS

With the aim to increase citrus flowering under tropical conditions, two formulations of 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid (Ethrel and Flordimex), Alar (succinic acid-2, 2-dimethyl hydrazide) and Cycocel (2-chloroethyl-trimethyl ammonium chloride) were applied during the flower induction period (December) to young "Valencia" orange trees at concentrations of 1000, 2500 and 5000 mg l-1. These treatments effectively increased flowering, mainly at lower concentrations. Treatment using Flordimex at 500 and 1000 mg l-1 concentrations resulted in flowering increase which is analyzed in this paper.