Articles
Effects of multifunctional nets on sweet cherry physiological performance in Italy
Article number
1408_47
Pages
341 – 348
Language
English
Abstract
Sweet cherry production significantly increased in the last decades, but growers are facing several new challenges due to climate changes.
This study investigated the sweet cherry physiological response to microclimate conditions under the following multifunctional white mono-row nets: i) PROTECTA: 22% shading, ii) PROTECTA ULTRA: 24% shading, iii) PROTECTA GREY: 40% shading, compared with a control treatment covered with anti-bird net.
Six plants per treatment were monitored in this trial, divided in two blocks.
Microclimate conditions and plant physiological parameters such as leaf, stem and fruit water potential as well as leaf gas exchanges and light interception were monitored at 39, 51, 66 and 85 days after full bloom (DAFB). The seasonal pattern of shoot and fruit growth were also monitored at regular time intervals during the season.
The main fruit quality parameters as well as the total production per plant were evaluated at harvest.
Results showed higher temperatures and lower relative humidity values under the nets rather than outside in the warmest hours of the day.
Plant stem and leaf water potentials, however, did not appear to be affected by the larger vapor pressure deficit (VPD) under the nets for the majority of the season, most likely because to the high amount of irrigation.
Nevertheless, when VPD increased PU and PG showed less negative stem water potential, despite the fact that leaf gas exchange measurements did not reveal statistical differences between treatments.
Fruits produced under PG net tended to be smaller, and fruit was generally more developed and darker when grown under coverings, however variations were not always substantial.
In contrast, no significant variations in fruit SSC and acidity, nor in tree yield, could be found.
Sweet cherry trees in high density orchards may benefit from high shade levels, according to measurements.
This study investigated the sweet cherry physiological response to microclimate conditions under the following multifunctional white mono-row nets: i) PROTECTA: 22% shading, ii) PROTECTA ULTRA: 24% shading, iii) PROTECTA GREY: 40% shading, compared with a control treatment covered with anti-bird net.
Six plants per treatment were monitored in this trial, divided in two blocks.
Microclimate conditions and plant physiological parameters such as leaf, stem and fruit water potential as well as leaf gas exchanges and light interception were monitored at 39, 51, 66 and 85 days after full bloom (DAFB). The seasonal pattern of shoot and fruit growth were also monitored at regular time intervals during the season.
The main fruit quality parameters as well as the total production per plant were evaluated at harvest.
Results showed higher temperatures and lower relative humidity values under the nets rather than outside in the warmest hours of the day.
Plant stem and leaf water potentials, however, did not appear to be affected by the larger vapor pressure deficit (VPD) under the nets for the majority of the season, most likely because to the high amount of irrigation.
Nevertheless, when VPD increased PU and PG showed less negative stem water potential, despite the fact that leaf gas exchange measurements did not reveal statistical differences between treatments.
Fruits produced under PG net tended to be smaller, and fruit was generally more developed and darker when grown under coverings, however variations were not always substantial.
In contrast, no significant variations in fruit SSC and acidity, nor in tree yield, could be found.
Sweet cherry trees in high density orchards may benefit from high shade levels, according to measurements.
Publication
Authors
A. Giovannini, M. Venturi, A. Onofri, F. Reyes, S. Lugli, G. Starace, M. Poledica, B. Morandi
Keywords
Prunus avium, multifunctional nets, netting system, shading, water relations, leaf gas exchanges, fruit quality
Groups involved
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