Reflective Film Enhances Color In Orchards
February 3, 2010 
Any successful grower is always looking for ways to increase the bottom line, and SunUp Reflective Films can be just one more tool to add to the profit-boosting arsenal.
The films can reflect 85% of UV rays that typically would be absorbed and lost in the ground. The films allow these UV rays to be reflected back to the underside of the tree where most of the fruit is. By placing the reflective film between rows of trees in the orchard, fruit coloring, size, and even taste can be improved.
According to Harry Andris of the University of California Kearney Ag Center, tree fruit’s red color development is triggered by a chemical reaction that changes cyanidin (the red pigment precursor) to ideain, the actual red pigment. The color enhancement triggered by the use of reflective orchard film can be seen in as few as four days, and the best red color enhancement takes place when reflective film is spread three to four weeks before harvest.
Benefits
• Improvement in color blush, fruit sizes, and sets
• Some fruits can see increased brix levels, meaning better taste
• Earlier and more balanced harvesting
• Reduction in harvesting time (due to a reduction in passes for picking)
For more information, go to www.sunupfilm.com.
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