| Summary: | Apple production in Portugal is a relevant agricultural activity, with 'Golden delicious' and 'Fuji' being included in the main cultivars. However, over the last 15 years there hás been increasing crop damage due to hailstorms and related meteorológica l extreme conditions in the Iberian Península. This concerning issue hás led farmers and researchers to find practical solutions to protect the orchards, such as netting devices. The application of anti-hail net in apple tree orchards looks to provide protection against the roughest meteorológica! effects (such as hail, strong winds, and sunburn) without hurting the development of the plant and, on the other hand, helping to improve the planfs productivity. On this work, carried out in Carrazeda de Ansiaes during 2016, was tested the application of a grey anti-hail net in an orchard with two cultivars (Golden delicious and Fuji) of apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.). Contrais without screen net applied where also used. In order to understand the effects ofthe net, apples were collected and analyzed for their physico-chemical characteristics (total soluble solids (TSS), flesh firmness, skin strength, total titratable acidity (TTA) and fruit color Índices). The obtained results revealed a significant decrease in TSS (6. 5%) and TTA (21. 5%) on apple trees covered with anti-hail net, whereas the other traits were not affected. The drop of TTA was only significant in 'Golden delicious'. Substantial differences were found between cultivars, with higher values of brix, pH, skin "bioyield point" and flesh firmness on 'Fuji', while 'Golden delicious' presented higher lightness, chroma and hue angle. The use of a grey anti-hail net on apple orchards is a suitable alternative for the protection of apple trees against hail ensuring the production of the crop without compromising the fruit quality.
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