FRUIT SET OF `PERA' SWEET ORANGE IN DIFFERENT CROWN HEIGHTS AND FOUR QUADRANTS

Abstract

Percentage of fruit set was studied in four quadrants (Southeast, Northeast, Southwest and Northwest) in three different crown heights (low, medium and high) during five periods of flowering and fruit development. The research was conducted in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil (22º43'S; 47º38'W; 540m). The experimental design was randomized blocks in an 3x4x5 factorial, with 300 split-split plots. Data collected included number of flowers (first count) and number of fruits (in the other four counts). Southeast medium height presented the highest number of flowers. There was no difference among heights for number of flowers. Fruit set was different among heights. Southwest basal part of the plants showed the highest percentage of fruit set.

Citrus sinensis; fruit set