Articles
‘DELICIOUS’ APPLE (MALUS) RESPONSES TO ROWCOVER MICROCLIMATE
Article number
451_90
Pages
749 – 754
Language
Abstract
Rowcovers were placed over ‘Delicious’ apple tree hedgerows in 1992 and 1993 to test if the ambient temperature within the rowcovers could be elevated sufficiently to bring apples into bloom earlier, thus extending the growing season.
In 1992 the rowcovers were open on the bottom and ends and in 1993 they completely enclosed the trees.
Anthesis occurred on April 17 for both covered and open blocks in 1992. In 1993 anthesis occurred on April 30 in the covered apples and on May 8 in the open blocks.
Average apple weight and length were greater in 1992 and 1993 in the covered than in the open blocks.
Additionally, rowcovers prevented sunscald and hail damage, and reduced windfall losses.
Complete and uniform red coloring was not obtained either year under the rowcovers.
In 1992 the rowcovers were open on the bottom and ends and in 1993 they completely enclosed the trees.
Anthesis occurred on April 17 for both covered and open blocks in 1992. In 1993 anthesis occurred on April 30 in the covered apples and on May 8 in the open blocks.
Average apple weight and length were greater in 1992 and 1993 in the covered than in the open blocks.
Additionally, rowcovers prevented sunscald and hail damage, and reduced windfall losses.
Complete and uniform red coloring was not obtained either year under the rowcovers.
Publication
Authors
D.M. Gatherum, J.L. Anderson, S.D. Seeley, J.W. Frisby
Keywords
Malus domestica, rowcovers, anthesis
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