The Effects of Girdling and Ethephon Treatments on Fruit Characteristics of Red Malaga

The response of Red Malaga to ethephon, (2-chlorethyl) phosphoric acid, and girdling was determined in 1974 and 1975. Both girdling and ethephon increased color development as indicated by the amount of fruit meeting U.S. No. 1 color standards at first harvest. Girdling increased soluble solids in both years and decreased berry weight in 1974. Ethephon decreased total acid in 1974. Berry firmness was not affected by either girdling or ethephon.