Effects of Four Photo-Selective Colored Hail Nets on an Apple in Loess Plateau, China

Hail, known as an agricultural meteorological disaster, can substantially constrain the growth of apple industry. Presently, orchards use a variety colored (photo-selective) hail nets preventative measure. However, it is unclear which color proves most effective for orchards. This study provides systematic investigation impact four photo-selective (white, blue, black, and green; with white being control) on microenvironment orchards, fruit tree development, quality, yield over two-year period (2020–2021). Different do not evidently alter intensity light, although nets’ shading effects decrease in order from black to green blue. Among them, blue increased proportion while enhanced light. On other hand, green, diminished red far-red Such effectively lowered soil temperature but did have relative humidity air temperature. Encasing trees promoted growth, increasing shoot length, thickness, leaf area, water content, simultaneously decreasing thickness. Black had comparable effects, impacts were inconsistent. significantly influence shape index or overall chlorophyll content. reduced a/b ratio, slightly boosted this ratio. Additionally, proved beneficial trees’ photosynthesis. With employment principal component analysis comprehensive evaluation, concludes that offer favorable environmental conditions protecting against hail, compared white, nets.