Reflective materials enhance ‘Fuji’ apple color

Abstract

Red color development is an important factor for consumer acceptance of California ‘Fuji’ apples. Several attempts to im- prove red color development, including delaying harvest, have been unsuccessful in warm pro- duction areas. In California, late harvest has been associated with physiological problems such as skin cracking and internal brown- ing. A study conducted under the warm San Joaquin Valley condi- tions reveals a new approach to economically enhance ‘Fuji’ red color. The use of reflective materi- als between tree rows enhanced red color development without reducing fruit quality under poor and good orchard conditions.