Reflective tarps at harvest reduce stem browning and improve fruit quality of cherries during subsequent storage

Abstract

The use of a reflective tarp, previously used in forestry, was assessed for its potential to improve the quality retention of sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.). The tarp was applied as a cover to bins of harvested cherries in the orchard and also during open-truck transport to the packing house. Controls were bins left uncovered in the orchard and during transport. Harvesting took place in 8-year-old orchards of ‘Lapins’ cherries where the foliar canopy provided very little shade. The results show that the use of reflective tarps can improve the retention of sweet cherry quality when subsequently stored in MAP bags for several weeks.