2013 ASHS Annual Conference

Blush^TM 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 Blush^TM on fruit color and quality enhancements in apples.  In 2010, an Experimental Use Permit (EUP) for commercial testing of Blush^TM on apples was approved by the USEPA, allowing for non-crop destruct trials.  Preharvest applications of  Blush^TM 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 Blush^TM is expected for the 2013 use season.  Upon registration, Blush^TM will be classified as a biopesticide.