How to Use the Fruit Growth Model to Guide Apple Thinning Decisions

Information and resources available to guide thinning decisions for apples have come a long way in the past few years. Models are available to help take some of the guess work out of this process. The MSU Extension Fruit Team created a video to demonstrate how to use one of these tools.

The Apple Carbohydrate Thinning Model is used to adjust thinning rates each day based on weather conditions, which is available on the Enviroweather website, the Network for Environmental Weather Applications (NEWA), and the Malusim app. In addition, the Fruit Growth Rate Model can be used to determine whether make additional thinning applications. This model is also available on the Malusim app. Further instructions for both of these models can be found in this presentation Introducing the Malusim app.