ISHS Acta Horticulturae 557: VII International Symposium on Orchard and Plantation Systems
LIGHT INTENSITY AND FRUIT QUALITY UNDER HAIL PROTECTION NETS |
| Author: | A. Widmer |
| Keywords: | apple, Malus, hail netting, light levels, PAR, external and internal fruit quality |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2001.557.56 |
| Abstract:
The effect of hail netting on light penetration and fruit quality was evaluated in commercial apple orchards in Eastern Switzerland. Black nets reduced light levels (PAR) by 18 to 25 %, white netting by 8 to 12 % and grey nets (black and white fibres) by 15 to 17 %. No definite influence of black hail nets on maturity and fruit quality has been observed under good conditions (weather, site, small trees with loose canopies, optimal fruit load, etc.) and with varieties for which fruit colour is mainly genetically determined. For ‘Jonagold’ the light intensity is decisive for development of fruit colour. Reduced colour development under black nets may be observed on this variety. The harvest time can be delayed by 8 to 10 days. Flesh firmness, soluble solids content and acidity were not affected. In general the external and internal fruit quality depends on many other factors which are more important than the effect of hail netting. | |
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