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:
Survey of growers who used Darwin string thinner, 2009 results
South Carolina Orchard Thinning Video (Spring 2009)
The Pennsylvania Orchard Thinning Video (narration added 7/30/09)
Good Fruit Grower article on thinning in the Pacific Northwest (6/09)
California Orchard Thinning Video (Spring 2009)
Summary of all articles and presentations from this project
last updated 10/26/09