With the ever increasing focus on quality and visual appeal, apple growers are able to benefit from the combined activity of two gibberellins GA4 and GA7 in Regulex® 10 SG, the combination of which will result in more consistent and reliable results in terms of fruit finishing and russeting.
"Regulex improves fruit finish and reducing russets on Coxes and many other apple varieties such as Golden Delicious and Gala. It has also been shown to increase fruit size and improve fruit shape, leading to better overall fruit quality and marketability," says Dr. David Stormonth, Technical Manager, Interfarm (UK) Ltd.
Dr. Stormonth explains that russeting is an undesirable, physiological disorder in which the outer epidermal layers of tissue become stretched and cracked, producing unsightly corky areas on the outside of the fruit. "Regulex works by normalising the development of the epidermal cells and stimulating an even build up of the fruit’s cuticle. The GA4/GA7 combination in Regulex increases cell elasticity, so fewer cracks appear. Treated apples are more resistant against surface tension which can present a problem during periods of rapid growth. It also increases the number of fruits in the larger size categories, by stimulating cell division and cell elongation. It can be used in conventional or organic crops."
Over many years of field research in fruit-growing countries, the improved formulation of Regulex has been proven to provide the ideal ratio of the naturally-occurring gibberellins. "The product is manufactured under strict quality standards using state of the art fermentation and formulation technology. The easy to use SG formulation dissolves instantly in water and is formulated for maximum field performance under a wide range of crop conditions."
Containing 10 gms per 100 gms (10% w/w) of a mixture of gibberellins formulated as a water-soluble granule, Regulex® 10 SG is plant growth regulator for the reduction of fruit russeting and improving fruit finish in apples. It is applied at a dose rate of 20-40 gms/hectare at 7 day intervals or 25-50 gms/hectare at 10 day intervals in water volumes sufficient to cover the tree. Higher rates should be used when conditions are conducive to russeting occurring, such as cool, wet or windy weather. Regulex is applied at the end of petal fall followed by four further sprays at 7 day intervals or three further sprays at 10 day intervals. It is packed in 100 gms pack and is available from distributors HL Hutchinson and UAP.
