Influence of netting for hail protection on fruit quality in nectarine.

Hail is a threat to fruit trees both for quality and quantity of crop and the negative effects on future productivity. Netting is a way to protect the crops against damage from hail, but the relationships between netting and harvest quality due to the reduction of light interception have been little investigated and are not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects induced by different types of nets on nectarine fruit quality. Light interception and harvest time were recorded on covered and uncovered trees. Fruit was tested for skin color, total soluble solids content and titratable acidity. None of the tested nets reduced fruit quality. A higher level of titratable acidity in nectarines under netting was observed. This increase might be beneficial during post-harvest storage when the decrease of titratable acidity is often observed.