The effect of N-dimethyl amino succinamic acid (Alar) on six-year-old Gravenstein apples

Abstract

Applications of N-dimethyl amino succinamic acid to the foliage on six-year-old Gravenstein apples restricted the extension growth. The reduced growth was characterized by shorter internode length giving the trees a more compact appearance. The number of leaves was also reduced although not to the same extent as extension growth. The leaf size was not affected. Two successive applications of 1,000 p.p.m. or a single spray of 2,000 p.p.m. applied early in the growing season resulted in highly significant increase of bloom in the following year. Yields were doubled by both treatments.