The synthetic auxin 3,5,6-TPA stimulates carbohydrate accumulation and growth in citrus fruit
The application of the synthetic auxin 3,5,6-TPA at the cell enlargement stage increased hexoses in developing fruit from foliated and fully defoliated plants of Satsuma mandarin, cv. ‘Okitsu’ (Citrus unshiu Marc.). Although the sucrose concentrations also increased, in general the differences were not statistically significant. The plant growth regulator reduced fruit abscission in defoliated trees while it stimulated fruit growth in the foliated ones.