The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dose and time of aminoethoxyvinilglycine (AVG) application on the maturity, quality and preharvest drop of 'Imperial Gala' apples. The study was carried out in commercial orchard located in Fraiburgo/SC. The experimental design was a randomized block, with five replications of one tree. The treatments evaluated were: 1. control (no application) 2. 120 g ha-1 AVG applied 4 weeks before the predicted harvest date (WBPH), 3. 60 g ha-1 AVG (4 WBPH) + 60 g ha-1 AVG (2 WBPH); 4. 120 g ha-1 AVG (2 WBPH); 5. 60 g ha-1 AVG (2 WBPH) + 60 g ha-1 AVG (1 WBPH); 6. 120 g ha-1 AVG (1 WBPH); 7. 60 g ha-1 AVG (1 WBPH); 8. 60 g ha-1 AVG (1 WBPH) + 60 g ha-1 AVG at predicted harvest date (PH); 9. 60 g ha-1 AVG (PH). The efficiency of AVG application on maturation control of 'Imperial Gala' apples was dependent of time and dose sprayed. AVG reduced the development of red color, but when the fruits were harvested at commercial harvest date were not found differences on fruit red color between treated and untreated trees with AVG. AVG applications delayed the commercial harvest date, and increased the mean fruit weight in some treatments. High AVG concentrations sprayed closer of predicted harvest had more efficiency on preharvest fruit drop of 'Imperial Gala' apples.
Malus domestica; growth regulator; harvest management; fruit abscission
