Light relations in orchard systems

Summary

The optimization of light interception is essential for the production of highquality fruit. High light interception is required for high yields, whereas insufficient light exposure may lead to inferior flowering and a reduction of many characteristics of fruit quality. Orchard configuration is important for the manipulation of light utilization. In this context, the influence of planting density, arrangement, tree size and shape on light interception was quantified in a model approach. The results were evaluated with the use of datasets from experiments with apple.From the results of the calculation of light absorption and canopy photosynthesis, it could be inferred that early cultivars having a growing season of only four months achieve about the same potential production over a wide ran