Conditioning the orchard light environment for greater efficiency and sustainability

Light is the primary driver of orchard productivity and yields increase as light interception by orchards becomes higher. However, in some high light climates there may be an excess of light energy for optimum plant performance. Although tree responses to light appear to be linked to the amount of light intercepted, light quality also plays an important role. A better understanding of the effects of the light spectrum and the energy load that leaves experience because of their illumination might provide a further opportunity for increasing orchard sustainability while maintaining high yields of excellent quality fruit. In this study we present examples of apple and peach studies that have shown the negative effects of excessive light on photoinhibition and leaf photosynthesis, as well as the beneficial effects of shading and the use of photo selective nets to modulate and condition the orchard light microclimate.