The positive influence of year-round reflective mulch on apple yield and quality in commercial orchards

White, reflective mulch was used as groundcover between apple trees from full blossom to the end of the harvest period, for three successive seasons. The treatment produced significant increases in fruit number and harvest weight but no significant effects on size grading or colouring. The tight reflected from the mulch increased available PAR in the lower canopy and had a red:far red ratio close to that of incident light. The canopy structure was altered and provided more flower buds and subsequently more fruit. Modified management strategies for commercial orchards employing reflective mulches in this way have been proposed.