Application of Topper Under Commercial Conditions to Control Calyx Senescence Associated to Degreening Treatment

Postharvest degreening treatment with exogenous ethylene application is widely used in Mediterranean growth area to improve the external coloration of the early-season citrus varieties in which internal maturity is achieved when the peel is still green. Nevertheless this treatment can induce physiological disorders overall related to calyx senescence. In previous studies, it has been reported that the application of Topper by FOMESA FRUITECH reduces calyx senescence associated to ethylene exposure. The purpose of the following study (see below) was to evaluate the effect of postharvest application of Topper on reduction disorders associated to degreening in Citrus fruit in commercial postharvest applications (drencher). The application of Topper in drencher very significantly reduces the disorders of calyx senescence associated to degreening treatment in clementines. The results suggest that this auxin could be a good option to control disorders of citrus fruit during degreening treatment. About TopperTopper is a Fomesa Fruitech trademark and its formula is based on 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyloxyacetic acid (TPA) 10% w/w. The compound is manufactured by Agriphar (Arysta LifeScience Benelux Sprl) and it is registered in 2016/2017 season for citrus cup fall control. About Fomesa FruitechFomesa Fruitech manufactures postharvest chemicals for fruits and vegetables: waxes, fungicides, disinfectants, detergents and the range of smoke cans “Fruitfog”, with fungicide and disinfectant formulations for application in cold rooms and transport. Fomesa Fruitech also develops automatic control equipment for cold rooms.