Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Bi, Guihong

Committee Member

Harkess, Richard L.

Committee Member

Leticia, Sonon

Committee Member

Li, Tongyin

Date of Degree

12-12-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Plants and Soil Sciences (Horticulture)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

Abstract

Apple peel color is one determining factor of apple quality and is a highly sought after trait by both growers and consumers. Historically plant growth regulators (PGRs) such as daminozide and auxins have been used to induce a greater amount of red color in the peel, but these products typically have negative production impacts and raise environmental concerns. One new area of interest is in called biostimulants. This study investigated the effects of two experimental biostimulants (MCEN1 and MCEN2) applied at varying rates and timings, as well as a commercially available plant growth regulator (Blush® 2X), on ‘Honeycrisp’ apple color and quality characteristics at two locations (Virginia and Michigan). Results indicated that MCEN2 showed potential to influence apple coloration, especially early in the season. MCEN2 when applied twice, showed potential to influence color without negatively influencing other quality traits.

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