Organic Options for Assisted Apple Thinning

Apple thinning is a manual labor activity in organic apple production. Conventional growers have products to chemically thin, but organic growers do not. To save labor, we are trying to find other solutions to organically thin apples. One is using codling moth netting, applied at a certain time during bloom, to successfully limit pollination, and ultimately labor, in thinning of apples. This is being measured by applying nets at different times during bloom, and measuring subsequent fruit set. We are also trying the product, Protone, that is labelled for apple thinning, but not widely used. We are experimenting with different concentrations and timings. Last year was inconclusive with the use of Protone. Timing of application and extent of application will be altered.

In 2024: Repeating netting timing experiment. Testing Protone applications.

Outcomes: More proven tools for organic apple thinning.