Bulk Suppliers

sales@earthcrew.com

866-882-1830

Commercial Uses of Gibberellins

Many of the table grapes grown in the United States are a genetically seedless variety that would naturally produce small fruit on very compact clusters. Almost all seedless grapes on the market are treated with GA₃  a naturally occurring plant growth regulator. It substitutes for the presence of seeds, which would normally be the source of native GAs for fruit growth. Repeated spraying with GA₃ increases both rachis length (producing looser clusters) and fruit size. The increased rachis length prevents the cluster from being too compact, and this reduces the chance of fungal growth inside the cluster. Two to three additional applications of GA₃ during fruit development are thought to increase berry size by enhancing the import of carbohydrates into the developing fruit. 

Gibberellic acid is used to boost cherry production. Sweet, bing cherries are sprayed 4 to 6 weeks before harvest to increase fruit size. Application of GA₃ to tart cherries increases yield through enhanced bearing.

Gibberellic acid is also applied to citrus crops, such as oranges and tangerines to delay or prevent rind-aging, so fruit can be harvested later without adverse effects on rind quality and appearance. For lemons and limes, GA₃ synchronizes ripening and enhances fruit size.

Contents

Gibberellin induces growth in Thompson’s seedless grapes. The bunch on the left is an untreated control. The bunch on the right was sprayed with GA₃ during fruit development.