Reflective materials under hailnet improve orchard light utilisation, fruit quality and particularly fruit colouration

Results: (1) Five types of reflective ground covers were successfully trialed in the alleyways of an apple orchard at 50°N. (2) All five ground covers improved light utilisation by ca. 3-fold relative to the (un-covered) grassed control. (3) All five ground covers improved red colouration of cv. 'Gala' apple fruit, increased the portion of class I fruit and economic gross returns. Conclusions: (4) The biodegradable paper lasted only one season, while the silver aluminium foil and white plastic woven ground covers had extended longevity. (5) The cost of spreading the materials exceeded that of the material cost. (6) Five weeks before anticipated apple harvest proved sufficient for colour improvement at 50°N.