Introduction
Sunburn is more than a cosmetic issue for apples—it’s a major economic challenge for growers worldwide. If left unprotected, apples exposed to intense sunlight and heat can suffer from reduced quality, lower market value, and significant yield losses.
Fortunately, with the right prevention strategies, sunburn can be controlled and even avoided entirely.
What Causes Apple Sunburn?
Apple sunburn occurs when fruit is exposed to high temperatures, strong solar radiation, and minimal wind, causing heat stress on the fruit surface.
Sunburn damage is widespread in almost every apple-growing region, and studies show that yield losses can range from 10% to 50%, depending on the severity and local climate.
There are three 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.
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 work:
- Lower Fruit Temperature: Nets create partial shade, which reduces surface heating.
- Block Harmful UV Radiation: They filter out excess UV rays that cause cellular damage.
- Improve Microclimate Stability: By reducing temperature fluctuations and wind exposure, nets create a more stable growing environment.
- Dual Protection: Many nets also serve as hail protection, offering multi-layered benefits.
By implementing a proper netting system, growers can not only minimize sunburn damage but also protect overall fruit quality and maximize profit.
Conclusion
Apple sunburn is a serious and costly issue, but it is preventable with the right tools.
At EyouAgro, we provide agricultural netting solutions that help farmers regulate orchard microclimate, protect yields, and extend fruit marketability. Whether you’re facing sunburn, hail, or excessive UV exposure, we’ve got the right net for your needs.
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 offer advanced shade and hail protection nets that reduce fruit temperature, block harmful UV, and stabilize your orchard’s microclimate.
Ready to protect your apples and profits? Contact us now for expert advice and find the right netting solution for your orchard.
