engleski

The effect of reflective mulch foil on photosynthetic efficiency of apple

The reflective mulch foil is used for increasing fruit quality of different fruit crops, including apple, especially in orchids where hail nets are installed. Fruit crops under hail nets can have enhanced vegetative growth, reduced photosynthesis and lower fruit quality. Reflective mulches especially influence coloration of apple fruits through effect on anthocyanins and flavonoids. This makes fruits more attractive to consumers, but also increases their nutrient value. In this study effect of reflective mulch foil on photosynthesis of apple leaves was investigated. The study was conducted in the apple orchard of Agricultural Centre Ltd. in Valpovo (Eastern Croatia) with hail nets. Two cultivars were used, Idared and Jonagold. Treatments included trees beneath which reflective foil was set, while control had regular inter- row cultivation. Photosynthetic efficiency was analysed by measuring polyphasic chlorophyll a fluorescence rise (OJIP). Measurement were performed on east and west side of the trees. Results did not indicate strong influence of reflective mulch foil on PSII functioning and photosynthetic performance of apple plants. In some cases overall photosynthetic performance index (PIABS) was increased in treated plants and slight differences in absorption of light energy, trapping, electron transport and dissipation of excitation energy were detected, but generally both treated and control plants showed high levels of photosynthetic efficiency. This might be due to favourable environmental conditions which enable use of maximal photosynthetic capacity even without reflective mulching. Additional experiments in less favourable environmental conditions could provide better inside into possible effects of reflective mulches on photosynthesis of apple plants.

apple ; photosynthesis ; OJIP ; reflective mulch foil

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