Chemical thinning is often like a roll of dice, with weather and tree sensitivity variables affecting the outcome. But in the near future, orchardists may be able to use a crop thinning model to guide their applications, giving them more confidence in timing and rates of thinning agents. Apple growers struggle each year with the dilemma of thinning the appropriate amount of fruit to maximize yield without negatively affecting return bloom. Thin too much, and though fruit size may be impressive, production is reduced, and growers make less money. Thin too little, and crop load is too high and fruit […]