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On Farm Research and Demonstrations in 1997

EVALUATION OF VYDATE AS A CHEMICAL THINNER FOR APPLES In 1997 the efficacy of Vydate as a chemical thinner was evaluated in a commercial block. Four treatments were applied and compared to varying chemicals as well as a control. Trees were evaluated for degrees of thinning and leafminer control.

EVALUATION OF RETAIN ON STAYMAN FOR POTENTIAL CRACKING CONTROL
Four trials were esablished on three grower sites to evaluate the effect ReTain would have on Stayman cracking. It has shown the ability to suppress stem end splitting on Gala and Fuji in the Pacific Northwest. ReTain was also compared to Provide for effectiveness in one of the trials. But unlike Provide, ReTain will also aid in the supression of fruit drop of Stayman and enhance fruit quality.

EVALUATION OF WILTHIN FOR BLOSSOM THINNING ON APPLES Wilthin was evaluated on Red Delicious for its effectiveness as a blossom thinner in New Jersey. Early fruit thinning is desireable for superior fruit size, and the ability to blossom thin heavily cropped trees is most adventagious. Willtin was not effective on apple and cannot be recommended at this time.