Precision Crop Load Management
Anna Wallis, Tree Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Precision Crop Load Management (PCLM) is a 3-step process of managing apple crop loads more precisely:
1. Prune to a specific flower bud number
2. Chemically thin to a specific fruit number
3. Hand thin to a specific fruit number
PCLM VideosThe link below includes 3 PCLM videos produced by the Lake Ontario Fruit Team on PCLM.http://www.goodfruit.com/videos-teach-precision-crop-load-management/
Precision Chemical Thinning
Precision Chemical Thinning is the second leg of managing apple crop loads more precisely in the Precision Crop Load Management system. It utilizes sequential chemical thinning sprays guided by the use of the carbohydrate model and the fruit growth rate model to more consistently achieve a target crop load.
The presentation below on Precision Chemical Thinning was given by Terence Robinson on April 29, 2015. It explains the steps involved and outlines the protocol for the thinning trial being conducted in the 2015 season.
A recording of the precision thinning WebEx presentation can be viewed herehttps://cornell.webex.com/cornell/ldr.php?RCID=56af8ee7a0c79a21953bf8314ef9b81b
Interested in Participating in the 2015 Precision Thinning Program?
Please contact Dan Donahue djd13@cornell.edu or Anna Wallis aew232@cornell.edu of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program if you would like to train your farm employees to conduct fruit measurements this year. Do not forget to send your target fruit number and flower cluster counts to Terence Robinson (tlr1@cornell.edu) by full bloom).
Precision Thinning 2015 TR (pdf; 1635KB)
- Presentation given on 4/29/15
Apples
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Broccoli
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Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cherries
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Peas
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Plums
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Pumpkins / Gourds
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Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
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Sweet Corn
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December 17, 2025
Thinking about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in New York, but aren't sure where to start? Join DEC representative Kenneth Klubek for a discussion on who needs to become a certified pesticide applicator, certification types, examination procedures, and recertification. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the program.
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
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Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
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December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026 : Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
January 13, 2026 : Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
January 20, 2026 : Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
January 27, 2026 : Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
February 3, 2026 : Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends
Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends