Apple Production under Protective Netting Systems

Apple crop is more and more cultivated under protective netting systems. Depending on the location and sunlight intensity, apple orchards can benefit from these installations, as they will be protected against extreme weather events. Depending on the technical features of the thread, the nets will be hail-proof, wind-proof, or rain-proof, while having different shading percentages. Modern fruit production faces high pressure also related to biotic stressors; thus, modern protective nets are designed to aid pest management. These protective systems become interesting, as they will induce changes in the orchards’ microenvironment, with consequences on crop physiology. Netting mainly reduces incoming solar radiation and wind speed, altering the heat balance. Leaf gas exchanges and water relations can be positively influenced by netting in apple cultivation areas with extreme solar radiation, high temperatures, and low water availability. These considerations are important, especially if the final yield and quality are not compromised by shading. These protective systems can allow higher sustainability of apple production, lowering resource use, along with crop protection.