Particle Film Application Influences Apple Leaf Physiology, Fruit Yield, and Fruit Quality

Abstract

<jats:p>Particle film technology is a developing pest control system for tree fruit production systems. Trials were performed in Santiago, Chile, and York Springs, Pa., Wenatchee and Yakima, Wash., and Kearneysville, W. Va., to evaluate the effect of particle treatments on apple [<jats:italic>Malus sylvestris</jats:italic> (L.) Mill. var. <jats:italic>domestica</jats:italic> (Borkh) Manst.] leaf physiology, fruit yield, and fruit quality. Leaf carbon assimilation was increased and canopy temperatures were reduced by particle treatments in seven of the eight trials. Yield and/or fruit weight was increased by the particle treatments in seven of the eight trials. In Santiago and Kearneysville, a<jats:sup>*</jats:sup> values of the fruit surface were more positive in all trials although a<jats:sup>*</jats:sup> values were not increased in Wenatchee and Yakima. Results indicate that particle film technology is an effective tool in reducing heat stress in apple trees that may result in increased yield potential and quality.</jats:p>

Effect of irrigation regime and application of kaolin on yield, quality and water use efficiency of sweet pepper

“…In addition to the irrigation regime, the extent of sunburn was affected by the application of the 5% kaolin suspension. A combination of full irrigation and kaolin considerably reduced pepper sunburn: by 3.1% under full irrigation with kaolin, and by even more than 10% in the case of deficit irrigation, which was consistent with many other studies that emphasize the positive effect of kaolin on sunburn (Glenn et al, 2001;Erez and Glenn, 2002;Wand et al, 2006;Melgarejo et al, 2004;Cantore et al, 2009). The effect of kaolin on reduced sunburn and improved pepper color is probably a result of increased reflection of solar radiation and consequent reduction in fruit temperature, according to the results reported on tomato fruits (Pace et al, 2007;Cantore et al, 2009).…”

“…Many researchers have noted less sunburn with kaolin, in crops like the pomegranate, apple, citrus fruits and tomato (Cantore et al, 2009;Glenn, 2012;Weerakkody et al, 2010). The application of kaolin reduces the temperature of the crop and may thus increase the average fruit mass (Cantore et al, 2009;Lalancette et al, 2005;Saleh and El-Ashry, 2006) and improve some of its qualitative features, such as color, total soluble solids, lycopene and anthocyanin concentrations (Glenn et al, 2001;Pace et al, 2007;Wand et al, 2006;Melgarejo et al, 2004;Chamchaiyaporn et al, 2013;Shellie and King, 2013a,b;Yazici and Kaynak, 2009). It should also be noted that kaolin is a natural substance used in organic farming, such that crops treated with kaolin can readily be consumed.…”

Particle films and their applications in horticultural crops

“…Several fruits become unattractive to consumers due to poor finish which usually occurs due to rough handling during grading, packing, transportation and subsequent marketing. Particle films improve fruit finish in some fruits by reducing russeting (Glenn et al, 2001b;Prive et al, 2007a). Although the mechanism involved is not fully understood but it appears that interference with microbial activity on the fruit surface is associated with epiphytic microbial population which is responsible for russeting in some fruits (Matteson-Heidenreich et al, 1997).…”

“…Several factors associated with poor fruit look such as mildew infections, frost, yeast infections, high heat and UV, and copper compounds applied at the wrong time, are mainly associated with it. In addition, excessive wetting, inappropriate combinations or mixes of chemicals also contribute to poor look of fruits (Glenn et al, 2001b;Sugar et al, 2005;Gardner, 2007). Kaolin treatment reduced the extent of russetting on the 'Comice' pear fruit surface without adverse effects on tree growth and performance (Sugar et al, 2005).…”

“…Puterka et al (2000b) demonstrated that Fabraea leaf spot (Fabraea maculata) of pear was suppressed by both hydrophobic and hydrophilic kaolin particles, presumably through physical interference in the infection process and a lack of adherence of inoculum to the plant surface. In addition, there was an increase in pear fruit yield that was thought to result from the reflective nature of the particles that reduced plant temperature (Glenn et al, , 2001b.…”