Fruit number in pome fruit trees results from a variety of factors, including planting density, orchard system, pruning and thinning practices and also crop nutrition. The desired fruit size should be considered when managing crop load since allowing too many fruits to remain on the tree will result in smaller fruits and reduce tree vigor.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus increases the potential for fruiting by increasing the number of flower clusters, their intensity and the level of apple set.
![Phosphorus and flowering/ fruit set]()
Boron
Because boron is not readily translocated within the tree, it is most critically used as foliar applications targeted at key periods of flower and fruit formation so as to maintain flower set.
Zinc
Pre-bloom applications of zinc can help aid the recovery of winter injured trees and also ensure supplies are not limiting during flowering and new fruit formation.
![Pre-bloom Zinc and Boron - Fruit Set]()
Magnesium
Magnesium is important in ensuring good growth, but at relatively low levels. It has a critical role to play in leaf growth and good flowering with minimal fruitdrop.
