Enhancing young tree growth with gibberellic acid (ProGibb®)

June 2014 | Presented by Stephen Tancred, Orchard Services | Future Orchards® Orchard Walk, Stanthorpe

Stephen Tancred presents a Stanthorpe demonstration on the use of gibberellic acid (GA3, ProGibb®) to encourage extension growth in young apple trees. The work addresses a key establishment challenge: building tree structure quickly enough to fill the allocated canopy space without compromising long-term tree balance.

The presentation compares application approaches and discusses the practical questions around rate, wetters and repeated applications. Young-tree response can vary with tree condition, weather and spray coverage, so the trial is positioned as a local demonstration rather than a universal recipe.

For growers establishing high-density blocks, the resource provides a useful example of how a PGR treatment can be evaluated against measurable growth objectives. It also reinforces the importance of integrating PGR use with irrigation, nutrition, tree training and general establishment management.