Method of using triclopyr to increase fruit size or quality or m

Details Method of using triclopyr to increase fruit size or quality or m Method of using triclopyr to increase fruit size or quality or m

1995-06-08

1997-04-22

Clardy, S. Mark

Plant protecting and regulating compositions

Plant growth regulating compositions

Organic active compound containing

A01N 4340

Patent

active

056229151

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
This application has been filed under 35 USC 371 from international application PCT/US94/07526, filed Jul. 5, 1994.
This invention relates to methods for regulating plant growth and enhancing fruit production by application of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyloxyacetic acid or an ester or a salt thereof to a fruit bearing plant.
3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyloxyacetic acid, also known as triclopyr, is a well known herbicide for woody plants. Methods of preparing triclopyr and lower alkyl esters thereof are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,862,952, 4,127,582, and 4,701,531.
Use of triclopyr as a thinning agent for mandarin orange is disclosed in Japanese patent application Kokai No. 80/100307.
The invention provides a method for regulating plant growth which comprises applying to a fruit bearing plant an amount of 3,5,6-trichloro-dyloxyacetic acid or a lower (C.sub.1-10) alkyl ester or salt thereof that is nonphytotoxic and effective to provide increased fruit size or quality or faster maturation without causing significant thinning.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is application of triclopyr to citrus, pome, or stone fruit trees in an amount that is both nonphytotoxic and effective to enhance fruit size.
A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is use of triclopyr in controlling development of citrus fruit.
As used herein, the term "nonphytotoxic" means not significantly toxic to the plant.
The preferred method of application is as a medium to high volume overall spray to the fruit bearing plant. The application race is in the range from about 10g/ha to about 50 g/ha. In a preferred embodiment, a solution containing 5-15 ppm of triclopyr in water is applied to fruit trees at a race of about 1000 to about 2500 L/ha.
The preferred active ingredient is triclopyr acid, however lower alkyl esters (for example C.sub.1-10, generally C.sub.1-4 esters) and salts of triclopyr may also be used.
The preferred formulation is a water dispersible tablet formed by compressing a mixture comprising 10 percent by weight of triclopyr acid and 90 percent by weight of tablet binder.
Timing of application is critical to avoiding thinning. As used herein, the term "significant thinning" means thinning that results in a yield loss greater than 25 percent (where yield refers to the number of fruit). Significant thinning can result if an application is made before the fruit has reached an appropriate growth stage. In general, the higher the rate and the sooner the application, the greater the danger of experiencing significant thinning. In citrus, the appropriate time for application is at the early stage of fruit growth (20-30 mm fruit diameter). The ideal application rate and timing varies somewhat by species, but can be determined by routine experimentation.
For lemons, applying triclopyr at a rate of about 37.5 g/ha when the lemons have an average diameter of about 22-28 mm gives maximum increase in fruit size and advances harvest by approximately one month. The size range 22-28 mm is important. If the lemons are smaller than 22 mm they are likely to drop, and if larger than 28 mm hey will receive less than optimum stimulation. When flowering is homogeneous, one application at the 37.5 g/ha is sufficient. When the flowering period is long, two applications at half that rate about 10 to 15 days apart may be used.
Spanish lemons are harvested when the fruit has a diameter of about 56 mm. There are typically three harvests per season. In plots treated with 37.5 g/ha of triclopyr here are typically twice as many lemons harvested at the first collection than in similar control plots. Lemons can be harvested two to three weeks earlier. Yield increases of about 10 percent have been observed. The quality of treated lemons including colour, pulp, and rate of decomposition after storage in freeze houses, is not adversely effected by the treatment. The peel thickness is generally reduced, and there is a tendency to reduce the amount of acidity, thereby producing sweeter lemons.
For grapefruit, the recommended application

REFERENCES:
C.D. Forgie et al., "Blackberry Control with Triclopyr," Proc, 30th N.Z. Weed and Pest Control. Conf. (1977).
Nishiyama et al. JPOABS abstract of JP 55-100306, 1980.
Nishiyama et al. JPOABS abstract of JP 55-100307, 1980.

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