[Effect of Soil Contamination on the Reflective Properties of Reflective Groundcovers].

The objective of the present work was to study the effects of contamination on the reflective properties of groundcovers used for enhancing fruit colouration in the orchard. Contamination also affects longevity and possible sustainable re-use of materials. A white, woven textile (polypropylene Lumilys™) and silver aluminium foil were experimentally contaminated with soil, similar to the situation after an autumn storm in a fruit orchard.

Anthocyanin synthesis and light utilisation can be enhanced by reflective mulch - Visualisation of light penetration into a tree canopy.

With the increasing use of hailnets and decrease in light availability in the ripening period of apple fruit, insufficient light exposure often causes poor colouration viz anthocyanin synthesis on certain parts of the fruit and on certain fruit within the tree. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of improving anthocyanin synthesis, in terms of fruit colouration, the major incentive for a consumer. Therefore, the reflective ground cover Lumilys® was spread between 'Braeburn Mariri Red' apple rows under a crystalline hailnet seven weeks prior to harvest and colour measured on 240 attached apple fruit.

Non-Invasive Examination of Plant Surfaces by Opto-Electronic Means--Using Russet as a Prime Example.

(1) BACKGROUND: Many disorders and diseases of agricultural produce change the physical features of surfaces of plant organs; in terms of russet, e.g., of apple or pear, affected fruit peel becomes rough and brown in color, which is associated with changes in light reflection; (2) OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: The objective of the present project was an interdisciplinary approach between horticultural science and engineering to examine two new innovative technologies as to their suitability for the non-destructive determination of surfaces of plant organs, using russet as an example, and (a) an industrial luster sensor (type CZ-H72, Keyence, Japan) and (b) a new type of a three-dimensional (3D) color microscope (VHX 5000); (3) RESULTS: In the case of russet, i.

Quantifying key parameters as elicitors for alternate fruit bearing in cv. 'Elstar' apple trees.

The commonly known alternate bearing, i.e. year-to-year change of large and small yields of fruit tree crops worldwide, is often induced by abiotic stress such as late frost, which will eliminate flowers or fruitlets.

UV-induced fluorescence spectra and lifetime determination for detection of leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) in susceptible and resistant wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars.

In modern agriculture, the use of cultivars that are resistant against specific stresses, e.g. pathogen infections, is an integral component.