Shading Nets Reduce Canopy Temperature and Improve Photosynthetic Performance in ‘Pinkerton’ Avocado Trees during Extreme Heat Events

Frequent extreme heat events cause major financial losses for the avocado industry. Shading nets are used to protect crops from harsh environmental hazards. To determine their ability improve photosynthetic performance under in avocado, we examined impact of a resilient high-density silver 60% shading net on mature ‘Pinkerton’ trees during such conditions. We hypothesized that reduced solar irradiation will lower canopy temperature and tree performance. During events, photon flux density (PPFD), air (Tair) leaf (Tleaf) reached 1188 ?mol m?2 s?1, 43.1 °C 43.8 control plots, respectively. In net-covered these parameters significantly decreased 401 40.3 39.8 °C, Interestingly, CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance water vapor (gs) substomatal internal concentration (Ci) were higher, by 94%, 120% 13%, respectively, than controls. On days with regular fall temperatures, PPFD, Tair Tleaf 814 31.2 31.6 291 29.5 29.4 However, assimilation was (20%) lower, gs similar Ci 10% higher trees. These findings suggest may potentially reduce stress calling long-term studies effects flowering fruit set, load, size quality.