Influence of Mechanical Flower Thinning on Fruit Set and Quality of ‘Arisoo’ and ‘Fuji’ Apples

This study aimed to identify the efficiency of mechanical flower thinning (MFT) and its influence on apple fruit quality. In first experiment, ‘Arisoo’ flowers were subjected MFT with one hundred sixty-two (half) three twenty-four (full) strings at same rotor (300 rpm) tractor (6 km/h) speeds. Hand was performed as a control. The number removed in each terminal lateral cluster slightly higher full-strings than that half-strings. set rate lower However, use during increased leaf damage compared Except a* value, improved flesh firmness, soluble solids content (SSC) titratable acidity (TA), reduced starch pattern index fruits harvest second ‘Fuji’ chemical thinning, rpm, 6 km/h), + treatments hand (control). similar terms removal rates. Compared control, MFT, their combined firmness SSC harvest. TA highest treatment other treatments. size, weight, value unaffected by any treatment. conclusion, achieved optimal results apples. apples, alone effective addition after had no supportive role