Phenylureas CPPU and thidiazuron affect yield components, fruit composition, and storage potential of four seedless grape selections

One of three levels (0, 1, 10 mg.liter-1) of the cytokinin-active substituted phenylurea compound CPPU was applied with or without 100 mg GA/liter to developing clusters of 'Sovereign Coronation' and Summerland Selection 495 grapes (Vitis spp.). In a similar experiment, one of three levels (0, 1, 10 mg-liter-1) of either CPPU or the related compound thidiazuron was applied to 'Simone' and Summerland Selection 535. Both phenylurea chemicals tended to linearly increase cluster weight and berry weight while reducing degrees Brix, pH, and anthocyanins and increasing titratable acidity. A subsequent trial with 0, 4, and 8 mg thidiazuron/liter on all four varieties yielded similar results. GA had no individual or synergistic effects. Due to the very low concentrations required, CPPU and thidiazuron show great promise as chemical tools for the increase of berry weight in seedless table grapes. Chemical names used: N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N'-phenylurea (CPPU); N1-phenyl-N'-1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl urea (thidiazuron); gibberellic acid (GA).