GroCel (AVG) Enhances Fruit Set and Yield in ‘0900 Ziraat’ Cherries While Providing a Stabilizing Effect under Climate Variability

Year 2025, Volume: 42 Issue: 3, 88 - 99

Melike Çetinbaş , Hasan Cumhur Sarısu , Figen Akyüz , Gizem Demirel Nispat Mesut Altındal , Şükran Aldanmaz , Zeki Nurhan Büyüksolak

Abstract

Our research examined the effects of different doses of GroCel [15% aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), ReTain] on fruit set, yield, and quality parameters of ‘0900 Ziraat’ cherry trees across two distinct locations (Eğirdir and Akşehir) during the 2023-2024 growing seasons under varying climatic conditions. Based on our results, application timing (30-50% flowering period) and dose rate significantly influenced fruit set and yield in both locations (P<0.05). The highest application rate (830 g ha⁻¹) consistently exhibited superior efficacy, resulting in a 147% increase in fruit set at Eğirdir (4.80% compared to 1.94% in the control) and an over 600% increase at Akşehir in 2024. Corresponding yield improvements were equally substantial, with 220% increase at Eğirdir and over 110% at Akşehir. Effects on fruit quality parameters varied by location and season. At Eğirdir, physical fruit properties remained largely unaffected across treatments, while Akşehir showed significant decreases in fruit weight and size with increasing AVG doses. Chemical properties showed modest changes, with control treatments generally exhibiting higher soluble solids content (SSC). Importantly, fruit color parameters were not significantly affected by AVG application at either location, or no phytotoxicity or adverse effects on pollinator activity were observed. Climate conditions significantly influenced treatment efficacy, with the protective effect of AVG against temperature fluctuations particularly evident at Eğirdir in 2024, where rapid temperature shifts during flowering severely compromised fruit set in untreated trees. We conclude that GroCel application at 830 g ha-1 during the 30-50% flowering period represents an effective management strategy for stabilizing ‘0900 Ziraat’ cherry production, particularly in regions experiencing climate variability. The substantial yield benefits outweigh modest reductions in fruit size and SSC, making this approach commercially valuable for the export-oriented cherry cultivar that typically experiences yield fluctuations.

Keywords

Climate resilience , Flowering period , Fruit quality , Soluble solids content , Sweet cherry

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