Integrated control of fruit drop in Kinnow mandarin.

Dropping of fruits in Kinnow mandarin cause severe yield losses. The influence of growth regulator (2, 4-D) and fungicides (carbendazim, copper oxychloride, zineb and ziram) on fruit drop was investigated. The growth regulator (2, 4-D) was applied alone and in combination with fungicides during the last week of April, July, August and September in four sprays. The combined application of Zineb 75 WP (0.25%) and 2, 4-D (10ppm) resulted in the highest percentage of fruit retention. Maximum fruit drop was recorded early in the season. 2, 4-D (20 ppm) alone was at par with combinations of 2, 4-D (10 ppm) with fungicides in retaining fruits upto 90 days after treatment initiation (upto July), thereafter treatments comprising fungicides were more effective.