Mechanized thinning for labor efficient tree fruit cropload management
Author: James Schupp, Karen Lewis, Tara A. Baugher, James Remcheck
Published: 2010
Summary: The objectives of this project were: 1. Evaluate the effect of timing on efficacy of mechanical blossom thinning, relative to peach, apricot, nectarine or apple bloom stages (2008-2009). 2. Evaluate several labor-efficient thinning methods in various combinations. (2008-2010). 3. Evaluate hydraulic controls for positioning the string thinner spindle (2010) 4. Evaluate string pattern as a method of increasing thinner efficacy (2010). 5. Evaluate the University of Bonn Bonner string thinner in apples and cherries (2009-2010) 6. Establish operational parameters for Darwin and Bonner string thinners (2010)
