The objective of thinning is to reduce
clusters to single fruitlets on most cultivars, preferably the king bloom fruitlet,
and to adequately space fruit to every other bearing spur. An additional benefit
of thinning is reduced probability of pest damage. Some pests are more likely
to damage clustered fruit.
Early thinning is important. Thinning near bloom
or shortly afterward will increase average fruit size and maximize return bloom
the next year.
Grower experience is the best guide to thinning needs, so
it is important to document the previous thinning history including rates, conditions
at time of application, and results. Other factors include:
Compared
to a tree with an excessive crop load, a well-thinned crop has better colour and
is more efficient to harvest, which reduces labour costs per bin.
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