Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 7/8/22

Why is this important?
On susceptible varieties, preharvest fruit drop can lead to >30% crop loss in some years. PFD is due to a breakdown of a layer of cells on either side of the abscission zone – where the stem meets the spur – prior to fruit reaching horticultural maturity. Given concerns related to sufficient labor for harvest (especially this year), these harvest management aids can also help stagger harvest timing. Fortunately, multiple plant growth regulators are commercially available to reduce preharvest drop and manage harvest timing.

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