This project was funded by the USDA with matching support from fruit growers, fruit industry associations, and academic institutions. It is a multi-disciplinary, inter-regional effort that combines research and outreach to help the tree fruit industry improve efficiency and sustainability.
Tree fruit are thinned at the blossom or early fruit development stages to ensure larger, higher quality product. This management practice, typically performed by hand, is a labor-intensive and expensive activity. Development of methods to mechanize thinning is a top priority for the tree fruit industry. This project will develop and test new mechanical thinners.
Latest Project Highlights:
Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable conference, Feb. 2-4, 2010
Selective thinning concept poster, Fall 2009 (pdf)
Thinning project update poster, Fall 2009 (pdf)
Survey of growers who used Darwin string thinner, 2009 results
Summary of all articles and presentations from this project
last updated 2/8/10