Late Ripening Apple Production Benefits from High Shading and Water Limitation under Exclusion Netting

In highly solar irradiated areas, apple production can face challenges due to high evaporative water demands. Shading be used lower irrigation requirements and make growing more sustainable. this trial, a white exclusion net (40% shading) integrated with rain protection was compared regular anti-hail black (20% shading), on Rosy Glow apple. Crop physiology, yield quality parameters were monitored during two consecutive years, under conditions of full restricted irrigation. Since Et0 the cover systems different, their respective 100% replacement different; both covers also received treatment (70% Et0). Tree physiology (midday stem potential, leaf gas exchanges, seasonal fruit growth) not affected, neither by less light nor water. Moreover, marketable yield, color soluble solid content improved shaded environment, even when volume limited. These results are encouraging, as an overall 50% saved (ca. 190 mm tree?1 per year), control treatment, classic system 370 year).