Bloom Thinning of Peach, Nectarine, and Apricot

Chemicals being tested for bloom thinning of apples are effective for bloom thinning of stone fruit. Sulfcarbamide (Wilthin) and Endothall applied to peaches, nectarines, and apricots at 90% of bloom open reduced fruit set by 50%. Fruit size and quality of crop were improved. Slight phytotoxicity occurred on leaves and twigs, but no injury occurred on fruit. Two years of data will be presented and comparisons will be made with other new thinning agents.