The CHOICE project aims to provide cherry producers with a rational approach to optimize the microenvironment and physiological performance of their cherry orchard, through the correct choice of multifunctional covers, based on the vigor of the orchard and specific environmental conditions.
Challenges
A wide range of roofing products is currently available on the market which differ in the level of shading, the type of use and/or the permeability to water. Unfortunately, very little information is available on how covers modify the orchard microclimate and even less the physiological and productive responses of the crop depending on the vigor and location of the orchard. Therefore, although these covers represent one of the most expensive investments, in the creation of a new orchard, growers and consultants are left to their own devices regarding the solutions to be adopted, without real indications on the criteria to be adopted which should guide their choice. The results obtained will give us a more precise idea of the physiological behaviour of the plants and the production under the multifunctional covers.
