Increased almond yields with brassinosteroid application

Abstract

Methods for increasing the yield of almond trees by the application of certain plant growth regulators are disclosed. In one embodiment, a brassinosteroid is applied to a variety of the species Prunus dulcis in the growth stage two weeks after full bloom. In another embodiment, the almond trees are treated at the time of petal fall with a brassinosteroid during the formation the ovaries and nutlets. Non-brassinosteroid plant growth regulators such as Forchlorfenuron and Gibberellic acid may be applied with a brassinosteroid to further promote growth. The inventors hypothesize that changes in reproductive physiology such as increasing pollen tube growth and pollen germination rates that ultimately result in greater crop yield are promoted by applications of brassinosteroids.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.