Experimental treatments with a new “kinin” growth regulator resulted in berry size increases three times normal in Black Corinth grapes at Davis. Kinins (pronounced ky-nins) are one of the three main groups of plant growth hormones, but are not as well known as the already proven auxins and gibberellins. Kinins are capable of being taken into plant tissues where, among other things, they promote protein synthesis. They have already proven their ability to extend the after-harvest shelf life and freshness of vegetables, and one patented kinin product is now being developed as Verdan® Senescence Inhibitor.

Shell Development Company provided the new kinin (SD 8339) used in this study.