Summary: Objectives of the project: 1. Determine the effectiveness of cyclanilide® as a soil-based, branch-induction treatment on young, vigorous pear trees in the year of planting in the orchard. 2. Determine whether proprietary cytokinin/gibberellin mixtures such as Promalin® or Maxcel® can be used prior to or at budbreak on vigorous, one-year-old wood to stimulate lateral branching in spring. 3. Compare pruning requirements for branched trees vs. those managed normally. 4. Establish one or more trials to assess the benefit of a multi-year branching treatment strategy on canopy development, pruning requirements and the onset of flowering and productivity. 5. Examine cytokinin and gibberellin treatments alone or in combination for stimulation of growth activity in latent buds on pear branches.
