Division of Horticulture, Hill Campus, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Ranichauri 249199, Tehri Garhwal (U.P.)
2-Chloroethyl phosphonic acid (CEPA/ethep-hon) was applied as a foliar spray to the foliage and fruits of apple at 400, 800, 1200, 1600, 1800 and 2000 mg/l at two distinct stages of fruit growth in 1989, 1990 and 1991. CEPA application at full grown fruit stage significantly induced skin colour, enhanced fruit maturity and ripening, and increased total soluble solids and total sugars but was not significant at half grown fruit stage. CEPA (1800 and 2000 mg/l) proved superior in promoting fruit colour. With increasing concentrations of CEPA, fruit maturing and post harvest ripening were accelerated significantly by 8–14 days. Fruits that received 1800 - 2000 mg/l CEPA at full grown fruit stage exhibited more total soluble solids, total sugars and less firmness. The flavour of the treated fruits with higher concentrations at full grown fruit stage was excellent at the 10th day and decreased to fair at the 40th day of storage.
