ISHS Acta Horticulturae 795: V International Cherry Symposium
PRELIMINARY TESTING OF A REFLECTIVE GROUND COVER: SWEET CHERRY GROWTH, YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY |
| Authors: | M.D. Whiting, C. Rodriguez, J. Toye |
| Keywords: | Prunus avium, floral bud induction, plastic mulch, light relations |
| Abstract:
We examined the effects of a full-season application of a white, woven fabric reflective ground cover (Extenday®) on ‘Bing’ sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) growth, yield and fruit quality near Prosser, Washington, USA and Rancagua, Chile. At Prosser, Extenday® increased mean shoot length by 32% and annual trunk cross-sectional increment by 90%, compared to the untreated control. In both locations, based on comparisons of fruit colour, firmness and soluble solids, fruit from Extenday®-treated trees reached optimum maturity ~5 days earlier. At comparable maturity, fruit from Extenday®-treated trees at Prosser were similar in size and soluble solids but had 9% greater firmness than untreated fruit. Following 21 d in cold storage, Extenday®-treated fruit had 8% higher soluble solids and were 16% firmer than untreated fruit. Leaf net CO2 exchange rate in the canopy interior was 50% higher with Extenday®, suggesting improved canopy source-sink relations in treated trees. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
