Valent U.S.A. Sustainability Product Guide Book

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN (ALMONDS—CALIFORNIA)

OVERVIEW Ethylene affects many plant processes, such as flower development, fruit/nut set, fruit/nut maturation, fruit/nut ripening, fruit/nut and flower abscission. ReTain® Plant Growth Regulator for California extends stigmatic activity by reducing ethylene evolution in almond flowers. This effect results in flowers being viable longer, which allows more time for pollination to occur. FEATURES  Extends pollination period  Improves crop load potential  Contains a naturally occurring active ingredient  Is a proven technology for fruit/nut set in cherries and walnuts EFFECTS OF RETAIN ON POLLINATION PERIOD

Aminoethoxyvinylglycine HCl (Avigylcine, AVG), the active ingredient in ReTain , is a potent inhibitor of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase and thus effectively inhibits ethylene synthesis in plant tissue. Data shows that ReTain reduces ethylene evolution in almond flowers and delays flower and stigmatic senescence (graph 1) . Due to this effect, almond flowers have a better chance for pollination, increased nut set (table 1) and yield (graph 2) .

Stage 2: Stigma receptivity reduced

3

Untreated

ReTain

2.5

2

Stage 1: Stigma receptivity

ReTain E ect

Normal Pollination Period

1.5

1

43% Longer Pollination Period

0.5

Stage 0: Stigma not receptive

0

0

1

2

3

4

5 6

7

8

Days After Open Bloom

Graph 1. ReTain Extends the Pollination Period for Increased Nut Set ReTain effectively delayed bloom senescence in almonds, thus improving the chances for pollination by 43%

ReTain Increases Stigma Receptivity in Almond Flowers

By reducing ethylene synthesis, ReTain improves the receptivity of floral stigma, resulting in a greater potential for fertilization and increased nut set

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