Tom Kon

Bio

Dr. Kon’s program seeks to develop and deliver research-based solutions to improve orchard practices and enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of the southeastern apple industry. To meet this goal, specific objectives include:

1. to develop and evaluate novel apple crop load management programs, products, and decision-making aids,
2. to develop and evaluate technologies to manage vegetative growth throughout the life of the orchard, especially during orchard establishment, and
3. maximize fruit quality and storage potential, and manage labor through new technologies, non-destructive testing, and predictive models.

Physiological effects, environmental interactions, and/or economic consequences of orchard management decisions are determined, reported, and integrated into recommendations for apple producers.

Area(s) of Expertise

Dr. Kon (80% research; 20% extension) serves the southeastern apple industry (NC, SC, and GA). He is currently developing an integrated research and extension program to address the technological needs of the southeastern apple industry.

Research interests include: crop load and canopy management, pruning and training systems, rootstock evaluations, mechanization of orchard practices, pre-harvest drop control, and cultural/chemical practices to improve fruit quality.

Publications

• Quantification and Prediction with Near Infrared Spectroscopy of Carbohydrates throughout Apple Fruit Development , HORTICULTURAE (2023)
• Evaluation of Blossom Thinning Spray Timing Strategies in Apple , HORTICULTURAE (2021)
• Screening Thermal Shock as an Apple Blossom Thinning Method. II. Pollen Tube Growth and Spur Leaf Injury in Response to Temperature and Duration of Thermal Shock , HORTSCIENCE (2020)

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