Managing Crop Load in European Pear (Pyrus communis L.)—A Review

Reducing levels of fruit set is often desirable in many European pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars. With a negative linear relationship between crop load and size, management early the season minimises wastage tree carbohydrate resources provides maximum benefits terms size quality. There are several tools available for managing including hand thinning, chemical photosynthetic inhibition through shading or application chemicals, mechanical thinning pruning. While most accurate method reducing excessive loads, there some major drawbacks. awareness that offered by distinct advantages with regard to other quality parameters, gaining increasing acceptance production. Some chemicals used worldwide but differences countries growing regions on recommended timing concentrations. The risks involved can be mitigated use structured approach, using sequential spray program both bloom post-bloom thinners. Knowledge conditions impact carbon balance ability make carbon-deficit likely improve predictability thinning. Mechanical has potential as tool, over it environmentally friendly, organic production not weather dependent. Although artificial bud extinction been trialled pears date, shown economically viable apple. As precision resource wastage, should given serious consideration. growers require large annual yields high-quality fruit, aim this review was examine current methods cultivars provide portfolio options integrated into systematic approach load.