Effect of Fruit Thinning on the Quantity and Quality of Red Delicious Apples

Nasir Ahmad Ziarmal; Ghulam Rasoul Samadi; Zabihullah Faizi

doi:10.62810/jnsr.v4i2.409

Authors

Nasir Ahmad Ziarmal Mirwais Khan Nika University, Horticulture Department, Agriculture Faculty, Zabul, Afghanistan
Ghulam Rasoul Samadi Kabul University, Horticulture Department, Agriculture Faculty, Kabul, Afghanistan
Zabihullah Faizi Mirwais khan Nika University Zabul ,Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Afghanistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v4i2.409

Keywords:

Fruit thinning, Quantity, Quality, Red Delicious, Spur

Abstract

Apples are widely cultivated in the cold regions of Afghanistan, and the Red Delicious variety is known for its moderate vigor and high yield potential. This study, titled “Effect of Fruit Thinning on the Quantity and Quality of Red Delicious Apples,” was conducted in a private orchard in Sadokhil village, Daimirdad district, Wardak province. Fruit thinning plays a crucial role in improving fruit size, weight, and overall quality by removing excess fruits that compete for nutrients. Excessive fruit load reduces fruit quality and size; therefore, proper thinning is essential for achieving marketable fruit characteristics. The experiment evaluated different thinning levels by leaving one, two, three, four, and five fruits (control) per spur. Reducing the number of fruits per spur significantly improved fruit length, diameter, weight, firmness, and sugar content. The treatment with one fruit per spur produced the highest fruit quality; however, it resulted in a substantial reduction in total yield, causing economic loss for farmers. No significant differences were found among treatments in fruit acidity and pH. As the number of fruits per spur increased, fruit quality decreased, while total yield and the quantity of non-marketable fruits increased. Considering the balance between yield and quality, leaving two fruits per spur proved to be the most suitable option for trees with fewer spurs, as it enhanced fruit size and quality without significantly reducing total yield and increasing non-marketable fruits.

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Author Biography

Ghulam Rasoul Samadi, Kabul University, Horticulture Department, Agriculture Faculty, Kabul, Afghanistan

Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture,
Kabul University, Afghanistan

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