Thinning trials with vinasse in comparison to lime sulphur were carried out for 4 years
at different sites in South Tyrol. Beside the thinning effect, the influence on fruit
quality, phytotoxic damage on the leaves and the return bloom of treated trees were
evaluated. Depending on the dosage the vinasse treatments showed a good
thinning effect, but russetting and leave damages were significantly higher in
comparison to lime sulphur. Return bloom of vinasse treated trees was lower than of
those treated with lime sulphur. In conclusion, vinasse treatments can not substitute
lime sulphur for flower thinning in organic apple orchards
