Reports from other apple producing states have shown that two chemical growth regulators, Alar and ethephon, could have a distinct effect on apple maturity. Alar has been reported to increase firmness of fruit, delay maturity, increase red surface color of red varieties, reduce incidence of scald, and reduce pre-harvest drop. Ethephon has been shown to hasten fruit maturity, improve the soluble solids content of fruit, and improve red surface color of red varieties.

The cooperation of Bruce Rider and Sons is gratefully acknowledged. Alar for this study was supplied by Uniroyal Chemical, Division of Uniroyal, Inc., and ethephon by Amchem Products, Inc.