Summary

Trials will be conducted in North Queensland and in the Northern Territory to determine the ideal rates and timings of different synthetic auxin compounds including NAA and 3,5,6-TPA to promote the production of male flowers to improve pollination, fruit set and yields.
The efficacy and residue data collected from these trials will then be used to apply for registration of these compounds with the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Association (APVMA).
A literature review on the mechanisms behind mid to late season fruit drop in Rambutan and related species will be conducted to try and gain a better understanding of the factors involved. Preliminary trials will also be conducted with synthetic auxins and anti ethylene compounds to investigate if these chemicals can be used to counteract fruit drop. The hypothesis to be tested is that fruit drop occurs because of plant stress brought on by lack a of radiation or water logging following prolonged periods (1 -2 weeks) of wet overcast conditions which cause abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene levels to increase which may be responsible for fruit drop

Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

OLD ABN-The State Of Queensland Acting Through The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

Objective Summary

• Determine the ideal rates and timings of different synthetic auxin compounds including NAA and 3,5,6-TPA to promote the production of male flowers to improve pollination, fruit set and yields.
• Use the efficacy and residue data collected to apply for registration of these compounds with the APVMA.
• Gain a better understanding of the factors and mechanisms involved in the mid to late season fruit drop often observed by conducting a literature review and conducting some preliminary trial work.

Trial the use of synthetic auxins and anti ethylene compounds to counteract fruit drop.

Determine the role environmental factors such as humidity, temperature and radiation play in fruit set and fruit drop.