Flowering on newly planted apple trees can be increased indirectly by using plant growth regulator sprays in the nursery year(s), in order to induce improved feathering on the trees.
- Once the young trees begin to establish and fill their allotted space in the orchard, use of a plant growth regulator might be warranted.
- Sprays of Cultar, at low concentration, may aid the production of flower buds and precocious yields on young trees that are growing too vigorously and forming few flower buds.
- Sprays of Regalis at petal fall have been found to encourage fruit set and reduce growth.
- No chemical plant growth regulators are approved for use as branching agents in the UK.
- Low concentration treatments with Cultar may aid flower production on young trees that are growing too vigorously.