Effect of different crop load management strategies on fruit production and quality of sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) 'Lapins' in central Chile.

A study was carried out during 2007 in the Maule Region of Chile to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of manual thinning at three intensities (15%, 30% and 50%) on fruit yield and quality (fruit size, weight, firmness and soluble solids content) of sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) 'Lapins'. The study evaluated manual removal of entire fruiting spurs (extinction training), individual fruit buds on the spur, individual blossoms on the spur and individual fruits on the spur. Fruit size distribution was positively affected by the thinning treatments and in most cases yield was not affected by these treatments. Fruit which was not of fresh market quality ( 28 mm) was also promoted. Manual thinning arises as a practical approach for improving fruit size distribution.