ISHS Acta Horticulturae 374: III International Peach Symposium
LIGHT ENVIRONMENT AT HARVEST TIME IN TWO DIFFERENT NECTARINE TRAINING SYSTEMS |
| Authors: | F. Loreti, A. Tellini, R. Muleo, S. Morini, C. Masetti |
| Keywords: | silicon sensor, light interception, light penetration |
| Abstract:
Solar radiation interception was measured at various canopy positions in 10-year-old, Stark Redgold nectarine trees, trained to Palmette or Spindle. Planting distances were 4.5 x 3.0 m and 4.5 x 2.0 m for Palmette and Spindle, respectively. Measurements were carried out at harvest time by 60 sensors placed at five different heights, 25 cm, 75 cm, 125 cm, 175 cm and 225 cm, and distributed all over the soil surface allotted to each tree. Values are expressed as percentage of total radiation available over the tree canopies. The average radiation intercepted by the canopy at 25 cm and 75 cm from the soil by the two training systems was higher in Spindle than in Palmette trees. At the other heights no remarkable differences were observed between the two training systems. The lowest radiation availability into the foliage was around 20% recorded in the lowest and innest part of the canopy with higher values in Spindle tree. At higher heights the values of light penetration were very similar between Spindle and Palmette. The only appreciable differences was found at 175 cm from the soil where radiation availability at 25 cm from the central leader was higher (10%) in Spindle than in Palmette tree; this accounted for a better illumination of Spindle canopy particularly during midday hours. | |
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