UK apple growers may benefit from a new product set to improve fruit finish and reduce the risk of fruit russeting.
Regulex 10 SG, which contains a mixture of gibberellins, has been introduced this season to tackle russets which stretch and crack the outer epidermal layers of tissue, producing an unsightly appearance in the fruit.
Dr David Stormonth, technical manager at Interfarm (UK), said: “Regulex is an integral part of the apple growers’ programme, improving fruit finish and reducing russets. It is not just in Coxes that russet control is needed; it is also required on many other apple varieties such as Golden Delicious and Gala. Regulex 10 SG has also been shown to increase fruit size and improve fruit shape, leading to better overall fruit quality and marketability.
“Regulex normalises the development of the epidermal cells and stimulates uniform build-up of the fruit’s cuticle. It also increases cell elasticity, so fewer cracks appear. Treated apples are more resistant against surface tension, which can present a problem during periods of rapid growth. Finally, it increases the number of fruits in the larger size categories through stimulating cell division and cell elongation.”
Containing 10g per 100 g of a mixture of gibberellins formulated as a water-soluble granule, Regulex 10 SG is a plant growth regulator for the reduction of fruit russeting and improving fruit finish in apples.
It is applied at a dose rate of 20-40g/hectare at seven-day intervals or 25-50g/hectare at 10-day intervals in water volumes sufficient to cover the tree at the end of petal fall, followed by four further sprays at seven-day intervals or three further sprays at 10-day intervals.
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