Regulation and estimation of crop load on ‘Gala’ apple trees

Abstract Two sampling methods for estimating fruit number per tree were assessed on ‘Gala’ apple after the imposition of different crop levels by hand thinning. A multiple linear regression equation was developed for one of the sampling techniques relating the sample estimate and trunk cross-sectional area to the total fruit number per tree. Strong positive relationships were found between fruit numbers per tree and total yield, and the total weight of small fruit. These two relationships were similar over two seasons and two orchard sites. Weak relationships were found between fruit number per tree and average fruit weight and the total weight of medium or large fruit. These relationships varied between seasons and orchards.