Plant Growth Regulators and Biostimulants as Alternatives for Managing Flowering and Fruiting of Mandarins
The chapter explores the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and biostimulants to manage mandarins flowering and fruit set in mandarins, addressing challenges such as alternate bearing, where irregular fruit production occurs between harvests. PGRs, such as gibberellins and auxins, are used to regulate fruit set, fruit size and quality, while mitigating alternate production by thinning fruit or inhibiting excessive flowering. Biostimulants, including humic substances and coumarins, have the potential to be used in the management of citrus flowering and fruit set, although their exact modes of action are still partially understood.
