Articles
REFLECTIVE MULCH (EXTENDAYTM) IN FRUIT ORCHARDS – PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Article number
732_100
Pages
665 – 668
Language
English
Abstract
A reflective mulch covering the alleyways was placed in apple and pear orchards from two weeks after bloom in early June until two weeks after harvest in October.
The fruits from trees with reflective mulch were slightly larger, had higher content of soluble solids and had greater surface colour than the fruits from the control trees.
The most pronounced effects were observed in the lower part of the trees.
No significant differences in the content of titratable acidity or fruit firmness were found.
The reflective mulch did not increase the air temperature in the trees.
However, reflective mulch in the alleyways increased the amount of utilised light in the lower canopy compared to control trees without reflective mulch.
The mulch had a negative effect on the growth of grass in the alleyways.
The fruits from trees with reflective mulch were slightly larger, had higher content of soluble solids and had greater surface colour than the fruits from the control trees.
The most pronounced effects were observed in the lower part of the trees.
No significant differences in the content of titratable acidity or fruit firmness were found.
The reflective mulch did not increase the air temperature in the trees.
However, reflective mulch in the alleyways increased the amount of utilised light in the lower canopy compared to control trees without reflective mulch.
The mulch had a negative effect on the growth of grass in the alleyways.
Publication
Authors
E. Vangdal, M. Meland, S.H. Hjeltnes
Keywords
light, fruit quality, apples, pears, acidity, firmness, sugar, TSS
Online Articles (104)