An investigation was carried out for two consecutive years to study the suitability of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) alone or in combination with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) to control preharvest fruit drop and their effect on fruit quality of ‘Red Delicious’ apple (Malus pumila Mill.). The following five treatments combinations were tested: (1) control, the trees sprayed with water only; (2) a single spray with NAA; (3) two sprays with NAA at an interval of 14 d; (4) a single spray with NAA CaCl₂; and (5) two sprays with NAA CaCl₂ in combination at an interval of 14 d. NAA was sprayed at the rate of 20 mg L^-1 and CaCl₂ was sprayed at 3 g L^-1. NAA applications reduced fruit drop appreciably when sprayed one month before harvest. The spray was effective in retaining the fruit on the tree for ∼14 d and the second spray after the 14 d of the first spray retained the fruit for another ∼14 d; however, the keeping quality of the fruit was reduced. No significant effect of CaCl₂ sprays could be observed on maintaining the keeping quality of apple.