Apple sunburn is more than just a cosmetic issue—it’s a major economic concern for growers worldwide.
Excessive sunlight and heat exposure can cause severe fruit burn, leading to lower quality, reduced market value, and yield losses of up to 50%.
☀️ Fortunately, with the proper protection strategies, sunburn can be prevented — ensuring healthier fruit and higher orchard profitability.
What Causes Apple Sunburn?
Apple sunburn occurs when fruit is exposed to high temperatures, intense solar radiation, and low wind, leading to surface heat stress.
The damage often worsens during heatwaves or under clear skies with low humidity.
📊 Studies have shown that apple yield losses from sunburn range between 10% and 50%, depending on severity and regional climate.
The 3 Main Types of Apple Sunburn
- Photooxidative Sunburn: Occurs when apples previously shaded are suddenly exposed to sunlight, causing bleaching due to light stress.
- Sunburn Browning: Happens when the surface temperature of the apple reaches 46–49°C, resulting in yellow or bronze discoloration.
- Sunburn Necrosis: The most severe form, occurring around 52°C, leads to cell death and sunken, brown-black patches on the fruit.
These forms of damage not only affect the fruit’s appearance but also reduce shelf life and consumer appeal.
🎥 Watch: Why Apples Get Sunburned and How to Stop It
(Video by EyouAgro: Understanding orchard microclimate management)
How Can You Prevent Apple Sunburn?
Installing agricultural protection nets is one of the most effective and proven ways to reduce sunburn in apples.
Here’s how they help:
Lower Fruit Temperature
Shade nets create partial shade, reducing direct radiation and preventing surface overheating.
Block Harmful UV Radiation
They filter out excess UV rays that can cause cellular damage and fruit discoloration.
Improve Microclimate Stability
By reducing temperature fluctuations and minimizing wind stress, nets create a more stable growing environment.
Dual Protection
Many hail protection nets also act as sunburn shields, providing multi-layered protection for orchards.
💡 With an optimized netting system, growers can protect fruit quality, reduce losses, and maximize profits.
Case Example: How Growers Use Nets in Hot Climates
In regions such as Australia, Chile, and Spain, growers use black or white shade nets with 20–30% shading to maintain ideal fruit temperatures.
EyouAgro’s shade and hail net systems help reduce fruit surface temperature by 4–6°C, minimizing sunburn without affecting coloration.
👉 Explore our Shade Netting Solutions
FAQ — Apple Sunburn Prevention
Q1: What temperature causes apple sunburn?
Once the fruit surface temperature exceeds 46°C, heat stress begins. Above 52°C, sunburn necrosis may occur.
Q2: Do shade nets affect apple color?
No. Properly selected nets maintain sound light diffusion while protecting from UV and heat.
Q3: Which color shade net is best for apples?
Typically, white or pearl shade nets are used for orchards because they reflect heat while allowing sufficient light.
Q4: Can hail nets also prevent sunburn?
Yes. Dual-function hail + sunburn protection nets are common in modern orchards.
Conclusion
Apple sunburn is a serious yet preventable problem.
By using UV-stabilized shade and hail nets, growers can maintain fruit quality, protect yields, and enhance marketability.
Stop Apple Sunburn Before It Starts!
Sunburn can destroy up to 50% of your apple yield—but it doesn’t have to.
At EyouAgro, we help farmers build durable, efficient protection systems tailored to their orchards’ climate.
Ready to protect your apples and profits?
Get a customized netting solution for your region and crop type.
