Use of Prohexadione-Calcium, Vitamin E, and Glycerine for the Reduction of Frost Injury in Apple ( Malus domestica) Flowers and Leaves

Authors

E. Albrecht ; M. Schmitz-Eiberger ; M. Brauckmann ; W. Rademacher ; G. Noga ; Department of Horticultural Science, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany; BASF Agricultural Center, Limburgerhof, Germany

Summary

The protective effects of the growth regulator prohexadione-calcium and a mixture of the antioxidant α-tocopherol with the cryoprotector glycerol against freezing injury were examined in leaves of apple ( Malus domestica Borkh. ) seedlings and in flowering branches of various apple varieties. Apple seedlings were treated with prohexadione-Ca two and nine days before freezing incidences. The results were compared with the data obtained, from plants pretreated with α-tocopherol/glycerine and exposure to artificial and natural frost. Chlorophyll fluorescence was measured for the determination of intensity of cold damage in apple seedlings cv. 'Golden Delicious' . Frost injury was significantly reduced due to the application of prohexadione-Ca. The photochemical efficiency of the electron transport system was slightly elevated in leaves of pre-treated apple seedlings. Artificial cold treatments of flowers resulted in reduced damage in plants treated with prohexadione-Ca compared to the control. The protective effect was also observed in flowers of orchard trees, especially after natural freezing events, which turned out to be more destructive than artificial freezing. In addition, the formulations containing α-tocopherol/glycerol gave significant protection against freezing injury, in leaves of apple seedlings as well as in flowers of orchard trees.

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Keywords

Prohexadione-Ca; freezing injury; α-tocopherol; glycerine; Malus domestica