Tree shaker thinning of French prunes

Abstract

Mechanical thinning does not reduce the need for annual dormant pruning. Pruning reduces the potential crop, but more importantly it is essential for the renewal of fruit wood and in maintaining the general shape and vigor of the tree. However, this study showed that in a heavy set situation, mechanical thinning is a tool that can be used to increase average fruit size, decrease the percentage of under-size fruit, and reduce tree breakage from overcropping.