Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/52389
Horticulture "Limb accessibility was the real key to the string thinner adoption," he said. Inexpensive technology While labor-saving equipment, like orchard platforms and harvest-assist machines, can be expensive, Schupp reminded growers that not all new technology is expen- sive. He highlighted two inexpensive technologies that are available to better manage crop load. The Lakso carbon balance model, developed by Cor- nell University researcher Dr. Alan Lakso, uses ambient light, photosynthesis, and the tree's carbohydrate supply and demand, to predict the effect of weather on the efficacy of chemical thinners so that growers can make better decisions on when to apply them. Schupp has also tested a limb-caliper disk developed in France called the Equilifruit disk. The plastic hand tool has notches to measure the diameter of limbs, with a cor- responding number on the notch that tells the worker how many fruit to leave on the limb. In comparing the Equilifruit to a heuristic "rule of thumb" traditionally used by growers, Schupp found that workers using the rule of thumb usually overthinned the tree. When looking at total yield, the Equilifruit gave favor- Jim Schupp, Penn State University architecture was already suited to the machine, and growers didn't have to change existing tree designs. Also, peaches don't have effective chemical thinning options as do apples, so expensive hand thinning was the only means of adjusting the crop load. able fruit size, better overall distribution on the tree, and prevented overthinning, he said, but the disk is only prac- tical on spindle-style trees where renewal pruning is done, Schupp said. "The point is that there are simple tools now available to increase orchard efficiencies," he concluded. "They're not all expensive. • Growers: Attract and maintain a steady labor force by offering on-farm housing that sleeps up to 20 workers in high quality, low maintenance structures. We have several floor plans approved by the Washington State Department of Health– fully self-contained units, and dormitory only. Over 140 units already sold! We use these quality components: • James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding • Jeld-Wen windows with double-strength glass • Copper water lines • Large capacity water heaters With 20 years' experience here in the Valley to service your product www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER JANUARY 15, 2012 23 They include: • showers • toilets/sinks • kitchen with appliances - GE • eating area • sleeping area • social area • plumbed for washer/dryer Experienced in building H-2A Housing– We are the only factory HUD code builder in Washington. Melissa Hansen