The use of photoselective netting for apple production in Bekaa -

Abstract

Sustainable management of tree fruit production is a challenge as these perennial crops are grown in open field conditions for several years with major biotic and abiotic stresses threatening production. Protected cultivation is less explored for tree fruit production as it is for vegetables and small fruits. The use of netting system is becoming globally more and more popular in orchards in order to address climate change issues, increase yield and fruit quality while reducing pesticides usage, and protect against invasive pest species. Netting systems have the potential to protect against environmental damages such as hail, frost and wind, flying pests and excessive solar radiations. Some systems in particular photoselective are also able to influence tree growth and fruit quality. The aim of this project was to measure and assess the effect of a photoselective red netting system on micro-climate, fruit quality indicators, tree vigor and health and major apple pests in an experimental orchard in the Bekaa region in Lebanon. Fuji and Jonagold apple trees were either covered with nets at fruit set or left in open field conditions. The nets were layout in a full block incomplete exclusion setting where the canopies of 2 to 4 trees were fully covered together by the nets. During the growing season, the nets significantly protected the apples against codling moth, the major apple pest encountered and provided better conditions for the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II. Whereas at harvest, fruit quality indicators such as size, weight, skin color, sugar content, firmness, starch index and grading were monitored and the fruit harvested from under the nets were better graded than in the control. The use of photoselective nets seemed a promising tool for a better quality fruit and an overall tree health with the opportunity of reducing the use of pesticides.