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Rates of cuticular penetration of 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) as affected by adjuvants, temperature, humidity and water quality

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Abstract

When NAA is used for fruit thinning, results can be unpredictable. Problemswith foliar penetration of NAA can contribute to this variability. Usingisolated pear leaf cuticles we have investigated effects of humidity,temperature, hard water and selected adjvants on rates of cuticularpenetration of NAA. If NAA was dissolved in deionised water about 40% ofthe applied dose penetrated in 8 h, while water having a pH > 7 practicallyeliminated cuticular penetration of NAA, even at high humidity (100%) andmoderate temperatures (20°C). Rates of penetration were much lowerat 10°C and 55% humidity. Adding urea, ammonium sulphate or Tween20 increased rates of penetration but not to a great extent. Highest rates ofpenetration were obtained when solutions were buffered at pH 4 with DL-lactic acid and the accelerator adjuvant Genapol C-100 was added. Withthis combination, about 70% of the applied NAA dose penetrated within 8 hat 20°C and 40% at 10°C, respectively, even at low humidity(55 to 60%) and when hard water was used as carrier. It is argued thatpoor performance of NAA as chemical thinner must be expected when hardwater is used for spraying and when the pH of the spray liquid is notadjusted to values around 4, such that a significant proportion of the NAAis non-ionised. Only non-ionised NAA can penetrate cuticles. Rates of foliarpenetration of NAA can be greatly increased, especially at low temperatures,by adding 0.2 to 2.0 g l−1 Genapol C-100. Since NAA is destroyed byUV light, spraying should be done in the evening. High humidity during thenight is favourable for foliar penetration, but low temperatures aredetrimental and addition of an accelerator adjuvant (i.e. Genapol C-100) isnecessary. If NAA must be sprayed during cold weather (5–10°C),higher NAA concentrations may be used because rates of penetrationduring the night are proportional to dose and excess NAA left on the foliagewill be destroyed by UV light after sunrise.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Gemüse- und Obstbau, Abteilung Obstbau, Universität Hannover, Am Steinberg 3, D-31157, Sarstedt, Germany

    J. Schönherr

  2. Institut für Gemüse- und Obstbau, Abteilung Obstbau, Universität Hannover, Am Steinberg 3, D-31157, Sarstedt, Germany

    P. Baur & B.A. Uhlig

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  1. J. Schönherr
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  2. P. Baur
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  3. B.A. Uhlig
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Schönherr, J., Baur, P. & Uhlig, B. Rates of cuticular penetration of 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) as affected by adjuvants, temperature, humidity and water quality. Plant Growth Regulation 31, 61–74 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006354732358

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