Fine Americas’ PGR Blush shows promise trial results

Fine Americas, Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of plant growth regulators (PGRs) for the fruit industry, reported that its Blush plant growth regulator showed excellent results in 2011 Experimental Use Permit (EUP) trials. Featuring the active ingredient prohydrojasmon (PDJ), Blush was developed to promote fruit color change in bi-colored apple varieties.

"We’re very pleased with last year’s trial results on Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji, Macintosh and other bi-color varieties,” noted Kevin Forney, a technical services manager for Fine Americas. “Based on the data we’ve received from cooperators in several of the key apple-producing states, Blush did an excellent job of enhancing fruit color compared to the current grower standard and untreated checks.”

Prohydrojasmon (PDJ) is a synthetically produced jasmonate, one of a new group of plant hormones with several beneficial physiological properties. In addition to fruit de-greening, PDJ aids in fruit color development by enhancing accumulation of anthocyanins within apples. Anthocyanins are red pigments that belong to a class of molecules called flavonoids. Along with stimulating fruit coloration, anthocyanins act as powerful antioxidants.

Forney said he anticipates renewal of the EUP for the 2012 growing season, which will allow Fine Americas to expand its product development efforts. PDJ is already labeled for use on apples in a number of countries, including Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

"Blush is another example of our company’s continued commitment to America’s fruit growers,” Forney summarized. “Along with our current portfolio of PGRs, including Exilis Plus, Falgro, Novagib and Perlan, the introduction of Blush will give U.S. apple growers another valuable tool in their never-ending quest to produce the highest quality fruit.”