Gibberellin and Growth in Stone Fruits: Induction of Parthenocarpy in Plum

Abstract

Gibberellic acid and a mixture of gibberellin A4 and gibberellin A7 each induced seedless fruit development in plum. Parthenocarpic fruits grew more rapidly early in the season but their final diameters were only 60% of control. Hormones applied only to developing vegetative shoots and not to neighbouring flowers did not induce parthenocarpy. The role of hormones in fruit growth is discussed.