Prohexadione Calcium for Canopy Management in Cranberries

Citation

https://www.bccranberries.com/growers/cranberry-congress/

Plain language summary

Proper canopy management is an important requirement for the sustainability of cranberry production. Importantly, controlling canopy growth can enhance the resource allocation for the shoot, root, and reproductive development. To evaluate if a plant growth regulator-based approach can be used for canopy growth control in cranberries, we evaluate the efficacy of growth retardant prohexadione calcium (Pro-Ca). Six different rates of this growth regulator were applied by modifying the concentration or number of applications. Treatments with Pro-Ca significantly reduced canopy growth by inhibiting the development and elongation of new runners. The treatments had no effect of fruit yield or fruit qualities when applied at low rates. Our data shows that Pro-Ca may provide an efficient and cost beneficial way of canopy management to cranberry growers.

Publication date

2022-02-17