2018 ASHS Annual Conference

As fruit production becomes increasingly technology-driven, one orchard challenge remains a significant challenge – the weather. Every fruit grower has experienced potentially damaging climatic events that are difficult to predict, add production risk, and reduce or eliminate profits. Plastic-covered high tunnels can mitigate weather-related risks associated with spring frost, rain, hail, wind or other adverse conditions. However, tunnels also provide the potential to change (for better or worse) the production climate by altering temperatures, light quality and quantity, pest and beneficial insect populations, and diseases, all of which impact plant growth, fruit development, quality, yield, and marketing windows. Different covering strategies may be utilized in different climates to address the risks, or market opportunities, most critical for each region. This presentation will summarize the high tunnel operational parameters and management strategies that can alter orchard microclimatic conditions, and impact developmental and reproductive physiology during production of tree fruits, berries and wine grapes.