Early season estimation of fruit set and size potential
Author: Todd Einhorn, David Gibeaut, Lynn Long
Summary: The objectives of this project were: 1) Develop sampling and measurement protocols at the tree, row and orchard scale for Rainier, Bing, Chelan, and Sweetheart. Define the number of fruitlets required for precise crop estimates 2) Analyze growth rates of unfertilized and fertilized fruit of Rainier, Bing, Chelan, and Sweetheart to strengthen our model 3) Develop models of fruit growth that incorporate calendar date and growing degree units so they may be broadly applicable to the cherry growing regions of the PNW 4) Time whole-tree PGR applications with early-season growth of cherry and determine their effect on fruit set, yield, harvestable fruit size, and fruit quality
