Abstract
For effective management of a modern pear orchard, shoot growth reduction is one of the most important agronomic aspects to reach. The objectives of the present research were to study the effects of prohexadione-Ca on vegetative and productive behavior and to verify the induction of partial resistance against fire blight, as reported on apple. Prohexadione-Ca was applied on ‘Abbé Fétel’ at 200 and 375 ppm with multiple spray applications. Results confirm the ability of prohexadione-Ca to control shoot growth and increase average fruit weight while total yield was not affected. Trees treated with Prohexadione-Ca were also characterized by a reduced fire blight infection.