Effects of Succinamic Acids 2,2-dimethyl hydrazide (Alar) on Peach Fruit Maturation and Tree Growth1,3

Succinamic acid 2,2-dimethyl hydrazide (Alar)3 has many effects on the species Prunus persica L., depending upon concentration, timing, and physiological stage of plant development. Alar hastens ripening, hastens the occurrence of the climacteric, increases internal flesh color, increases red and yellow skin color, slightly decreases the per cent soluble solids, and decreases flesh firmness. Decreases in soluble solids and flesh firmness seem to be as a consequence of early maturation. Increases in red and yellow skin pigmentation and internal flesh color are increased in fruits of the same firmness. Terminal growth is not altered greatly by Alar, even at high concentration, unless applied near the beginning of the pit hardening stage.