Effect of hail nets on the microclimate, irrigation requirements, tree growth, and fruit yield of peach orchards in Catalonia (Spain).

摘要

Hail nets protect orchards from storm damage but also offer potential water savings for fruit trees grown in arid areas. Effects of black nets on water use, growth, yield and fruit quality in peach trees growing in Catalonia, Spain, over 2 yr (2006 and 2007) were determined. Water savings were quantified by irrigating netted trees to a similar midday stem water potential ( Psi_stem) as control trees. This method was only partially successful in 2006, with netted trees being over-watered early in the season (i.e. higher Psi_stem than the controls), and under-watered (i.e. lower Psi_stem than the controls) later in the season. A combination of water stress and a hail net resulted in lower yields because of smaller fruit size. Skin colour was more enhanced in control fruits. In 2007, Psi_stem values were similar between treatments. Any difference in tree performance was therefore due to the hail net per se. Fruit size was similar between treatments, and lower yields of netted trees were due to decreased fruit number. There were no treatment differences in fruit skin colour or flesh firmness. Soluble solids concn. were higher in non-netted fruits. In both yr, water savings amounted to approx. 25%, if irrigation replaced the potential evapotranspiration that was measured. Hail nets are therefore recommended for their effects on water saving in arid areas, despite lower fruit yields.