Late Season Rescue Thinning with Ethephon
Ethrel for Rescue Thinning in Eastern New York - Dan Donahue
Our colleagues in Massachusetts and New Jersey have conducted extensive research over the years on the use of Ethephon as a "rescue thinner" when fruits reach the 20-25 mm stage. I've posted a fact sheet and a power point presentation on the ENYCHP website that offers excellent guidance on the use of this material as a thinner. With this seasons bumper fruit set, coupled with weak thinner performance, ethephon should be considered as an option, but please follow the links below and study the information provided before acting. Ethephon can be a strong thinner, very sensitive to temperatures in the several days following application, capable of defruiting the tree in some circumstances. Thank you to Win and Wes for giving ENYCHP permission to post this information.
Rescue Thinning with Ethephon PowerPoint/pdf Talk (pdf; 4398KB)
- Author: Win Cowgill presented at the Connecticut Pomological Society
Fact sheet- F-129R UMASS-Rutgers- Late Season Rescue Thinning with Ethephon (pdf; 682KB)
- Authors: Wesley Autio, Win Cowgill

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Eastern New York Grapevine Pruning Workshops - Highland
March 19, 2026 : Eastern New York Grapevine Pruning Workshop
Higland, NY
This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to learn or refresh their grapevine pruning skills.
2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinar Series
January 22, 2026 : Blueberry Pruning and Soil Health to Minimize Pests and Maximize Yield
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January 29, 2026 : Cost of Production for Fruit Crops
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February 12, 2026 : Fire Blight Management Updates
Week 3: Fire Blight Management Updates - Pathogen Biology, Defense Inducers, Biopesticides, and Pruning Therapies
February 19, 2026 : Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides- Can We Strike the Right Balance?
Week 4: Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides - Can We Strike the Right Balance?
March 12, 2026 : Inoculating Orchards with Mycorrhizal Fungi
Week 5: Inoculating Orchards with Mycorrhizal Fungi
March 19, 2026 : St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast
Week 6: St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast
Leading the Farm Team: Supervisory Skills for New Managers
April 14, 2026 : Session 1: Becoming a Supervisor
The transition from working alongside employees to supervising them can be challenging. This session explores the shift from individual contributor to supervisor and the mindset and skills needed to lead a team effectively. Participants will learn about the role of a supervisor, key leadership behaviors, and how to build trust and credibility with employees.
April 21, 2026 : Session 2: Improving Performance
This session will introduce the performance triad—clear expectations, training, and feedback—to support employee success. We will discuss practical communication strategies, how to give constructive feedback, and how supervisors can help employees improve their performance over time.
April 28, 2026 : Session 3: Managing Conflict
Supervisors are responsible for maintaining a professional and respectful workplace. This session covers some of the legal and ethical responsibilities of supervisors and the responsibilities managers have in addressing workplace concerns.
Participants will also explore common sources of workplace conflict, learn to recognize potential biases that can influence management decisions, and discuss practical approaches for addressing difficult situations and resolving conflicts at work.
