BLUSHTM, a New Fruit Color Enhancer for Apples
BLUSHTM, a New Fruit Color Enhancer for Apples
Thursday, July 25, 2013: 10:30 AM
Springs Salon A/B (Desert Springs J.W Marriott Resort )
BlushTM is a new plant growth regulator developed by Fine Americas, Inc., to promote fruit color in red and bi-color apples, thereby improving the commercial value of the crop. Blush contains 5.25% prohydrojasmon (PDJ), a synthetically produced jasmonate. PDJ is known to act as a functional analogue of jasmonic acid (JA) in plants. Jasmonates are considered a new class of plant hormones with several beneficial physiological and biological properties, including improved color development by enhanced anthocyanin and carotene accumulation within the fruit. It has been reported that PDJ is up to 10 times more biologically active than the naturally occurring hormone, methyl jasmonate (MJ); probably due to its higher chemical stability. PDJ is currently registered for use in several countries, including Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. In 2007, Fine Americas, Inc., initiated field efficacy trials evaluating the effects of BlushTM on fruit color and quality enhancements in apples. In 2010, an Experimental Use Permit (EUP) for commercial testing of BlushTM on apples was approved by the USEPA, allowing for non-crop destruct trials. Preharvest applications of BlushTM have shown positive responses in trials conducted on multiple varieties across the United States in the key apple growing states. Full Section 3 Federal registration of BlushTM is expected for the 2013 use season. Upon registration, BlushTM will be classified as a biopesticide.
See more of: Workshop: Commercial Use of PGRs to Increase Color Development of Fruit
See more of: Workshop
See more of: Workshop