Apple Production under Protective Netting Systems

Abstract

Apple crop is more and more cultivated under protective netting systems. Depending on the location and sunlight intensity, apple orchards can benefit from these installations, as they will be protected against extreme weather events. Depending on the technical features of the thread, the nets will be hail-proof, wind-proof, or rain-proof, while having different shading percentages. Modern fruit production faces high pressure also related to biotic stressors; thus, modern protective nets are designed to aid pest management. These protective systems become interesting, as they will induce changes in the orchards’ microenvironment, with consequences on crop physiology. Netting mainly reduces incoming solar radiation and wind speed, altering the heat balance. Leaf gas exchanges and water relations can be positively influenced by netting in apple cultivation areas with extreme solar radiation, high temperatures, and low water availability. These considerations are important, especially if the final yield and quality are not compromised by shading. These protective systems can allow higher sustainability of apple production, lowering resource use, along with crop protection.

Colored Shading Nets Differentially Affect the Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Capacity, and Fruit Quality of Piquin Peppers (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum)

“…The microclimatic impact of colored shading nets on the reduction in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) has the potential to significantly impact the key physiological processes determining fruit yield and quality in crops, including photosynthesis and carbon allocation [35]. The variations in PAR availability observed among the different nets stem from the color of threads, which alters the proportion of diffuse light compared to the total light transmitted under nets [36].…”

“…x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 20 availability observed among the different nets stem from the color of threads, which alters the proportion of diffuse light compared to the total light transmitted under nets[36].…”

Rain Cover and Netting Materials Differentially Affect Fruit Yield and Quality Traits in Two Highbush Blueberry Cultivars via Changes in Sunlight and Temperature Conditions

“…The most commonly used protection systems are roof covers and high tunnels, which protect crops from rain and frost, in turn accelerating fruit maturity and advancing the harvest date [4]. Furthermore, netting is also an effective tool to protect orchards from sunburn, hailstorms, and insect attacks [5].…”

“…The most commonly used materials in rain-protection systems are waterproof woven covers with a laminated texture or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic covers with a smooth texture, while porous and permeable raschel or monofilament nets are used for netting [5,6]. Ogden and van Iersel [7] evaluated LDPE plastic covers for 'Emerald' and 'Jewel' blueberry cultivars and concluded that this type of cover affected the synchronization of flowering and pollination, thus decreasing fruit set and yield.…”

“…Thus, the use of translucent nets reduces the transmitted PAR by up to 7%, while black nets result in an 18% reduction. In addition, netting can reduce UV light transmission by 10-13% more than PAR transmission [5]. On the other hand, Salazar-Canales et al [16] determined that blue-gray, black, and pearl-grey nets reduce radiation by 24%, 21%, and 19%, respectively.…”