Rain covers（PE tarpaulin） are commonly used in cherry orchards to protect fruit from rain and environmental stress. However, some studies suggest that they may have negative impacts on the fruit’s quality, including hardness, flavor, and nutritional value.
Understanding these potential drawbacks is essential for growers to make informed decisions on cover material and management practices.
Does Rain Cover Affect Cherry Fruit Quality?
Yes, rain covers （PE tarpaulin） can have negative effects on cherry fruit quality, primarily impacting fruit hardness, sweetness, color, and antioxidant content.
These effects are influenced by the specific environmental changes caused by the rain covers.
Fruit Hardness
Rain covers can significantly lower the hardness of cherries. In studies of three different cherry varieties (‘Rainier’, ‘Bing’, and ‘Sweetheart’), fruit under rain covers showed an average reduction in hardness by 11%. Lower fruit hardness can lead to damage during transport and storage, ultimately affecting the market value of the cherries.
Soluble Solids Content (SSC)
Cherries grown under rain covers tend to have lower soluble solids content (SSC), which is an indicator of sugar levels and directly affects the sweetness of the fruit.
Although the difference is statistically significant only in the ‘Bing’ variety, the lower SSC suggests that cherries under rain covers may have less sweetness, potentially affecting consumer preference.
Fruit Color
For bi-color varieties like ‘Rainier’, rain covers cause a significant reduction in red color coverage. This occurs because the covers filter UV-B radiation, which is essential for producing anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for the red color in cherries.
As a result, ‘Rainier’ cherries grown under covers may have a lighter, less attractive appearance. However, no significant effect on color intensity was observed in red-fleshed varieties like ‘Bing’ and ‘Sweetheart’.
Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacity
Rain covers also reduce the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of cherries.
There was a noticeable decline in phenolics in all three studied varieties, with a statistically significant reduction in antioxidant capacity observed only in ‘Rainier’.
Since phenolic compounds and antioxidants are beneficial for human health, these reductions suggest that cherries grown under rain covers may have slightly lower nutritional value.
Why Do These Negative Effects Occur?
The negative impacts on cherry quality are largely due to changes in sunlight, temperature, and humidity caused by the rain covers.
The covers filter out some solar radiation, including UV-B rays, which affect the metabolism related to fruit color, hardness, and nutrient accumulation.
Additionally, the increase in temperature and decrease in humidity under the covers may accelerate fruit ripening but also lead to lower hardness and reduced sugar content.
Solution: Using Anti-dripping Cherry Cover Film
To minimize the negative effects on fruit quality, consider using the Anti-dripping Cherry Cover Film.
This advanced material has a 90% sunlight transmittance, allowing more sunlight to reach the fruit while maintaining excellent anti-drip properties.
By improving light exposure and reducing the harmful effects of excess moisture, this film helps maintain fruit quality and nutritional value, offering an optimal solution for cherry growers.
Conclusion
Rain covers can negatively affect cherry fruit quality, reducing fruit hardness, sweetness, color, and nutritional value.
By understanding these effects and using advanced materials like the Anti-dripping Cherry Cover Film, growers can mitigate these drawbacks while still protecting their crops.
Proper management of rain cover usage ensures optimal cherry growth and quality.
Protect Your Cherries and Maintain Quality!
Rain covers are crucial for protecting cherries, but they can affect fruit quality. At EyouAgro, our Anti-dripping Cherry Cover Film ensures optimal sunlight exposure while reducing moisture damage, helping maintain fruit firmness, sweetness, and nutrition.
Ready to improve your cherry crops? Contact us today to learn how our advanced cover solutions can boost both protection and quality.
Reference
Simón Pino,Miguel Palma,Álvaro Sepúlveda,ect, Effect of Rain Cover on Tree Physiology and Fruit Condition and Quality of ‘Rainier’, ‘Bing’ and ‘Sweetheart’ Sweet Cherry Trees
