The chemicals sulfcarbamide (monocarbamide dihydrogen sulfate), pelargonic acid [CH3CH2)(7)CooH] and endothallic acid [7,oxybicylo(2,2,2)heptane-2-3 dicarboxylic acid] are new, effective blossom thinning agents used to prevent alternate year cropping of apples. Early removal of potential fruit reduces competition for photosynthates and favors flower initiation for the next year's crop. Sulfcarbamide is nearing full registration for commercial use. Pelargonic acid and endothallic acid require further testing for commercial development. Early application of the post-bloom thinner carbaryl (1-naphthyl-n-methyl carbamate) at petal fall time is effective for reducing fruit set and provides an alternative approach to blossom thinning for preventing biennial bearing.