Effect of pre-harvest spray of growth regulators on the size composition and storage behaviour of sapota (Achras sapota Linn). I.

2, 4-D, 2, 4, 5-T and 2, 4, 5-TP were used in two concentrations as pre-harvest sprays on sapota
about 2t months before harvest. 2, 4-D (100 ppm) and 2, 4, 5-TP (25 ppm) led to a significant
increase in fruit weight. There was a slight increase in apparent ascorbic acid content when
the fruit was treated with 2, 4, 5.TP (25 ppm). There was also nearly 100 per cent increase in
reducing sugar content at harvest and a slight increase in total sugars at ripeness. Ripening was
uniform and complete. There was, however, a tendency for the Cruit to become overripe quicker
'than the control lot. There was no significant shift in: the respiratory climacteric peak during
ripening in the treated fruits. Spraying of trees did not appear to have any undesirable after
effect on the subsequent crop.