Product Research
Reflective orchard ground cover has been studied for more than two decades in leading fruit-producing regions, including the United States and Europe. Research has focused primarily on apples and pears, with additional work on stone fruit and other tree fruit crops.
Improved light distribution may support natural sugar accumulation (°Brix) during the final stages of fruit maturation as part of an integrated orchard management programme. Some international studies have reported increases of approximately 5–10% in soluble solids (°Brix) under specific orchard conditions.
The influence of reflective orchard ground cover on fruit colour, soluble solids (°Brix) and overall fruit quality depends on many factors, including crop, cultivar, climate, canopy structure, orchard design, installation timing and overall orchard management practices. Individual results may vary.
AgriSun’s South African Grower Evaluation Programme will evaluate product performance under local growing conditions to determine its suitability and performance in South African orchards.
International Research
Research on reflective ground covers in orchards dates back to at least 1995.
Since then, research has continued through the 2000s, 2010s and 2020s, including recent peer-reviewed studies
Reflective orchard ground cover has been studied for more than two decades in leading fruit-producing regions, including the Chile, United States, Spain, Italy, Australia and New Zealand.
Research has focused primarily on apples and pears, with additional work on stone fruit and other tree fruit crops.
Published studies have reported that reflective ground cover can improve light distribution within the canopy and, depending on orchard conditions, may contribute to improved fruit colour development and more uniform maturity. Results vary according to cultivar, canopy structure, climate, orchard management and the timing of installation.
The majority of published research has focused on apples and pears, with more limited research available for stone fruit and other crops.
Research Highlights
Improved light penetration into shaded areas of the tree canopy has been consistently reported.
Multiple studies have reported improvements in red colour development in commercial apple orchards.
Research has shown that reflective ground cover can be incorporated into modern high-density orchard systems as part of pre-harvest orchard management.
Performance varies between orchards and should be evaluated alongside local growing conditions and management practices.
Important Notice
The research referenced above was conducted under specific orchard conditions, using different cultivars, climates and management practices. Individual results may vary, and the information is provided for educational purposes. Growers should evaluate reflective orchard ground cover within the context of their own orchard management programme.
Improved Light Distribution
Reflective ground cover redirects natural sunlight into the lower and inner parts of the tree canopy, helping improve light distribution throughout the orchard.
Enhanced Fruit Colour Development
Studies have reported improvements in fruit colour development in certain apple, pear and stone fruit cultivars where reflective ground cover formed part of the orchard management programme.
More Uniform Colour Across the Canopy
By increasing light exposure within shaded areas of the canopy, reflective ground cover may contribute to more consistent colour development throughout the tree.
What Has International Research Reported?
Published studies have reported that reflective ground cover may:
- Improve light distribution within the tree canopy.
- Increase reflected photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) reaching shaded fruit.
- Improve red colour development in certain apple cultivars.
- Contribute to more uniform colour development within the canopy.
- Form part of modern pre-harvest orchard management programmes.
Research from Commercial Orchards
Research conducted by the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission and published by the International Society for Horticultural Science found that reflective ground covers increased light within the canopy and consistently improved fruit colour in commercial apple and pear orchards under the conditions studied. The authors noted that results were strongest in well-managed, high-density orchard systems
A 2024 peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Plant Science evaluated reflective ground cover in commercial ‘Evercrisp’ apple orchards in the Mid-Atlantic United States. The researchers found substantially higher reflected light within the canopy and earlier development of red skin colour under the conditions of that study. The authors emphasised that these findings relate to the specific cultivar, climate and management practices evaluated.
The primary purpose of reflective ground cover is to improve the distribution of natural sunlight within the tree canopy by reflecting light from the orchard floor back into the lower and inner portions of the trees
Improved Harvest Uniformity
Some international studies have reported more uniform fruit maturity and colour at harvest, which may assist with harvest planning and fruit selection.
Improved Use of Natural Sunlight
Reflective ground cover helps redirect available sunlight that would otherwise be absorbed by the orchard floor, making better use of natural light during the final weeks before harvest.
Widely Used in Commercial Orchards
Reflective orchard ground cover has become a recognised orchard management practice in many leading fruit-producing regions around the world for crops such as apples, pears, cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums and table grapes.
Pear Orchard Research
Washington State University has also evaluated reflective ground covers in commercial pear orchards. Researchers reported that reflective ground covers can improve light penetration into pear canopies and continue to investigate their role in fruit quality and integrated orchard management. They also noted that outcomes varied between orchards and seasons.
It is Important Note that Research findings depend on many factors, including cultivar, canopy structure, orchard design, climate, weather conditions and overall orchard management.
The information provided here summarises findings from published international research and is intended for educational purposes. Individual results may vary between orchards, growing regions and seasons.
Backed by more than 30 Years of International Research
Frontiers in Plant Science (2024). Reflective groundcovers promote anthocyanin content and advance fruit maturity of ‘Evercrisp’ apples grown in the Mid-Atlantic US.
References
Acta Horticulturae (ISHS). Reflective Ground Covers Increase Yields of Target Fruit of Apple and Pear.
Washington State University. Evaluation of Reflective Groundcovers for Pest and Fruit Quality Management in Commercial Pear Orchards.