Calcium chloride fruit blossom thinning agent

Abstract

A process and composition for thinning fruit blossoms with a calcium chloride solution is provided. The calcium chloride is a common salt, often referred to as CaCl, but having the chemical formula CaCl2 and is preferably applied to the blooms in a solution or brine. The calcium chloride brine is a natural material that is classified as a “generally regarded as safe” (GRAS) compound. The calcium chloride solution in water apparently interrupts the pollination of blooms through the dessication of the pistils, when it is applied during the blooming period. The CaCl2 blossom or bloom thinning agent solution is effective on many varieties of fruit trees, especially apples. The calcium chloride is preferably applied in a substantially aqueous solution at a rate of between 5 and 40 pounds of calcium chloride per acre. The CaCl2 solution is not an artificial or derived substance and carries none of the environmental and health concerns raised by other hormonal or caustic chemical thinning agents.

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