Thinning of Elstar with lime sulfur in Nothern Germany

Summary

Thinning trials with lime sulphur in comparison to other products were carried out for 4 years in an ‘Elstar
orchard’ at the OVB Jork in Northern Germany. Beside the yield, the influence on fruit size, colour, russetting
and return bloom of treated trees were observed. Mechanic thinning was too strong and had other negative
effects. Thinning with potato meal and coconut soap had no effect. Organic oil (Telmion) reduced the yield
between 0 and 20%. Lime sulphur reduced the yield 0 – 40% in comparison of the concentration and the
number of applications. There were great fluctuations from year to year. In conclusion lime sulphur gives the
best results, but the variation from year to year is not acceptable for a practical advising in the northern area
of Germany.