Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/751050
30 DECEMBER 2016 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com W a s h i n g t o n S t a t e University researchers are finding that pho- to-selective, anti-hail netting can provide additional benefits, particularly in orchards that receive intense sunlight, in just the first two years of a multiyear study. In previous studies, orchard netting has been shown to protect against hail, wind and intense light. Researchers now are examining the long-term effects of netting on not just tree growth, but also photosynthesis, responses to tree stress and fruit quality in terms of color, matu- rity, size and storability. Red, blue and pearl netting have been installed at a research orchard in Wenatchee, Washington, and at a 12-acre McDougall and Sons block of Honeycrisp trees on Budagovsky 9 rootstock in their fourth leaf near Quincy, Washington. Remotely monitored sensors measure air temperature and humidity just under the netting as well as inside the tree can- opy, wind speed, light intensity and soil Orchards under cover Hort Show Preview In early study results, WSU researchers find multiple benefits to netting fruit trees. by Shannon Dininny Lee Kalcsits, Washington State University assistant professor of WSU has installed red, blue and pearl netting at this fourth-leaf ©2016 Meadow Creature, LLC MeadowCreature.Com ® Or Give Us a Call 360-329-2250 MAKE CIDER WITH EASE - - MEADOW CREATURE ® Commercial quality at a family price–the AVALON ®