Shading with nets of 2 m and 3 m width respectively, which reduce the photosynthetic
active radiation by 74%, lead to successful fruit thinning of apple trees. In field trials,
three days of shading reduced fruits per 100 flower clusters to a satisfactory extent for
Golden Delicious (if shading occurred after 19, 26 and 33 days after full bloom
(DAFB)) and Topaz (if shading occurred after 19 and 26 DAFB). For Elstar, seven
days shading at 25 DAFB resulted in a good thinning effect. However, practicability of
the method in commercial orchards has to be improved
