Effect of Ethephon, Diphenylamine, and Daminozide on the Incidence of Scald Development on ‘Cortland’ Apples1

Abstract

Preharvest sprays of (2-chlorethyl)phosphonic acid (ethephon) and succinic acid-2,2-dimethylhydrazide (daminozide) and postharvest dips of diphenylamine (DPA) were evaluated for their effects on scald development of ‘Cortland’ apples (Malus domestica Bork.) The total number of scalded fruit and the severity of scald were increased in all years by ethephon treatments. Daminozide treatments reduced scald incidence and severity either alone or in combination with ethephon. DPA dips (2000 ppm) resulted in best scald control. It is postulated that advanced ripeness of the fruit due to ethephon contributed to increased scald incidence.

Physiology and Control of Superficial Scald of Apples: A Review

“…However, the total number of scalded fruit and severity of scald were increased by pre harvest ethephon treatm ents. The author postulated that advanced fruit ripeness due to ethephon contributed to increased scald incidence, but this contradicts the notion of decreasing scald susceptibility with maturity (74).…”

Preharvest Ethephon Sprays Reduce Superficial Scald of ‘Granny Smith’ Apples

“…), while increases in scald were reported for 'McIntosh' and 'Cortland'(5,11). There fore, the effect of ethephon may vary ac cording to cultivar, and possibly with orchard factors, time and concentration of applica tion.…”