Growth regulators affect apple maturity

Reports from other apple producing states have shown that two chemical growth regulators, Alar and ethephon, could have a distinct effect on apple maturity. Alar has been reported to increase firmness of fruit, delay maturity, increase red surface color of red varieties, reduce incidence of scald, and reduce pre-harvest drop. Ethephon has been shown to hasten fruit maturity, improve the soluble solids content of fruit, and improve red surface color of red varieties.