EVALUATION OF GROWTH REGULATORS AND RIPENING AGENT USED IN FLUE-CURED TOBACCO WHEN SPRAY-SOLUTION APPLICATION IS DELAYED

Information is limited concerning the effect on efficacy of flue-cured tobacco growth regulators and a ripening agent resulting from delayed application after solution preparation. Efficacy of C8-C10 fatty alcohol, flumetralin, flumetralin plus maleic hydrazide, and maleic hydrazide in 1 experiment and ethephon in a second experiment was evaluated when spray solutions were prepared the day of application or 3 and 7 days before application. Regardless of the number of days prepared before application, all solutions were applied on the same day. Solutions were mixed in the same water source with a pH of 6.7 and were stored in the dark at room temperature. Efficacy of C8-C10 fatty alcohol, flumetralin, flumetralin plus maleic hydrazide, and maleic hydrazide was not influenced when left in spray solution for up to 7 days. Leaf yellowing by ethephon 3 days after treatment was variable when spray solutions were prepared in opened or closed containers 7 days before application. Leaf yellowing by ethephon 5 days ...