Prevention of Fruit and Leaf Drop at Early Stages


Fruit and leaf drop at early stages can be a significant issue for farmers and gardeners, as it can lead to reduced crop yield and plant health. Several plant growth regulators can be applied to prevent this problem. Among these plant growth regulators, ethylene, auxins, gibberellic acid, and cytokinins are commonly used.


Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone that plays a crucial role in fruit ripening and senescence. However, when applied in low concentrations, it can also prevent fruit and leaf drop at early stages. Ethylene acts by inhibiting the production of abscisic acid, a hormone that promotes leaf and fruit abscission. By reducing the levels of abscisic acid, ethylene helps to maintain the attachment of fruits and leaves to the plant.


Auxins are a class of plant hormones that regulate various aspects of plant growth and development. They are mainly known for their role in promoting cell elongation and root development. When applied at appropriate concentrations, auxins can prevent fruit and leaf drop. They do so by stimulating cell division and growth in the abscission zone, the region where the fruit or leaf is attached to the plant. This enhanced growth strengthens the attachment and reduces the likelihood of abscission.


Gibberellic acid is a plant hormone that promotes stem elongation, seed germination, and flowering. It also has an impact on fruit and leaf abscission. When applied in low concentrations, gibberellic acid can delay or prevent the abscission of fruits and leaves. It does so by inhibiting the production of ethylene, which is involved in the abscission process. By reducing ethylene levels, gibberellic acid helps to maintain the attachment of fruits and leaves.


Cytokinins are plant hormones that promote cell division and delay senescence. They have been found to be effective in preventing fruit and leaf drop at early stages. Cytokinins work by enhancing cell division and growth in the abscission zone, similar to auxins. This increased growth strengthens the attachment of fruits and leaves to the plant, reducing the likelihood of abscission.


In conclusion, the application of ethylene, auxins, gibberellic acid, and cytokinins can help prevent fruit and leaf drop at early stages. These plant growth regulators act through different mechanisms, such as inhibiting abscission-promoting hormones or enhancing growth in the abscission zone. By maintaining the attachment of fruits and leaves, these plant growth regulators contribute to healthier plants and increased crop yield.

Auxin because it prevents abcission