Patent Description:
Citrus plants, such as orange, lemon and lime, are widely grown in citrus groves and there is an ever increasing need to increase crop yield, for example expressed as weight of citrus fruit per acre of citrus grove under cultivation in an environmentally sustainable manner. In particular, there is a desire to minimise water irrigation of the citrus grove, particularly in geographical regions which may have scare water resources. There is also a desire to minimise fertilizer application, which may be applied with water in a given proportion.

Referring to <FIG>, this is a graph showing the relationship between radiation wavelength and light absorption for a citrus tree in incident sunlight and associated photosynthetic rate. It may be seen that in the wavelength range of blue light, from about <NUM>-<NUM>, there is increased absorption by both chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. It may also be seen that in the wavelength range of red light, from about <NUM>-<NUM>, there is also increased absorption by both chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. The increased absorption by both chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b corresponds to increased photosynthesis rate which can be drive increased fruit yield, and increased fruit quality. In contrast, in the wavelength range of green light, from about <NUM>-<NUM>, there is lower absorption leading to decreased photosynthetic rate but this contributes to the overall heat load on the plant. Increased heat load tends to increase the demand for water and irrigation of the plant, reduces photosynthetic output compromising fruit yield.

It is known that netting can permit light scattering, which permits light penetration through the tree canopy, leading to increased photosynthesis, and increased fruit yield. The netting can be photo-protective, and eliminate "non-productive" light. This can reduce the heat load, and thereby lower water use, and can increase photosynthesis, and increase fruit yield. The netting can be photo-selective, and enhance vegetative or reproductive signals, to trigger leaf growth or fruit growth. The netting can provide physical and thermal modulation, to resist temperature extreme and high wind speeds, which can increase photosynthesis, and increase fruit yield, and reduce crop failure, for example by damage by hail.

It is known to use nets to provide weather protection of plants and crops. For example, Ginegar Plastic Products, Inc. of Israel manufactures and sells netting under the trade name Polysack as a range of nets that protects plants and crops against damage caused by excessive radiation, wind, hail, birds and insects. Some of these nets also provide light spectrum management of the plants, for example, nets sold under the product names Pearl Leno, Crystal Leno, Red Leno and ChromatiNet Red Hail. For the red nets, it is disclosed that the net combines hail-protection together with light-spectrum management in greenhouses and shade houses, which protects against damage from hail, sunstroke and wind in orchards and vineyards; the net absorbs the UV, blue, green and yellow spectral regions of sunlight and thus increases the relative content of red and far red in the light that passes through it and creates a unique light composition to improve yields, accelerate growth, increase fruit size and bring forward fruit ripening. Light managements nets are also disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>), <CIT>) and <CIT>).

<CIT> discloses a crop netting material. <CIT> discloses a method of stimulating plant growth using a net. <CIT> discloses a net for protecting fruit against damage caused by direct solar radiation and high temperatures, acting together and/or independently, which is made from two monofilaments that are pearl, blue or grey in colour. <CIT> discloses a netting material comprising an opaque yarn and a transparent, translucent or different opaque yarn. <CIT> discloses applying narrow bandwidth light to plants to increase emission of a volatile organic compound. <CIT> discloses a method for growing plants using netting to provide a greater ratio of indirect light to direct light in a region of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).

In spite of these prior disclosures, there is a need in the citrus-growing art to provide enhanced yield of citrus fruit per acre of citrus grove. There is also a need in the citrus-growing art to produce citrus fruit from a citrus grove with reduced demand or use of water for irrigation. There is also a need in the citrus-growing art to produce citrus fruit from a citrus grove with reduced energy input. There is also a need in the citrus-growing art to produce citrus fruit from a citrus grove with reduced fertilizer input.

The present invention aims at least partially to meet those needs. The present invention aims to provide a photo-selective light spectrum-modifying net which can increase citrus yield from a citrus grove, particularly from a grove of young or mature citrus trees already in commercial production. The enhanced yield can be achieved by providing the net above the citrus trees, and therefore the yield can be increased or maintained with reduced irrigation, and reduced energy and fertilizer input.

The present invention accordingly provides a photo-selective light spectrum-modifying net for use in citrus fruit production according to claim <NUM>.

The present invention further provides a method of producing citrus fruit according to claim <NUM>.

Preferred features of these aspects of the present invention are defined in the respective dependent claims.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention can provide a photo-selective light spectrum-modifying net for use in citrus fruit production, and an associated method of producing citrus fruit, which can remarkably increase citrus yield, particularly from a mature citrus grove when the net is supported above the citrus tree(s).

The present invention has particular application in the production of oranges.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown a photo-selective light spectrum-modifying net <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention for use in citrus fruit production, in particular for production of citrus fruit from orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit or pomelo trees. The present has particular application for use in the production of oranges. The net <NUM> comprises a woven array of parallel and mutually spaced first threads <NUM> and an array of parallel and mutually spaced second threads <NUM>. The second threads <NUM> are inclined to the first threads <NUM> to define an array of openings <NUM> between the first and second threads <NUM>,<NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second threads <NUM>,<NUM> are mutually orthogonal and the openings <NUM> are rectangular. However, in other embodiments, the first and second threads <NUM>,<NUM> may be inclined at an acute angle to provide non-rectangular openings <NUM>.

Typically, the openings <NUM>, which may be rectangular openings or in other embodiments may have any other two-dimensional shape, have an area of from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, more typically, from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. Typically, the first threads <NUM> have a spacing between adjacent first threads <NUM> of from <NUM> to <NUM>, more typically, from <NUM> to <NUM>, and/or the second threads <NUM> have a spacing between adjacent second threads <NUM> of from <NUM> to <NUM>, more typically from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, each first thread <NUM> comprises a single filament <NUM>. The filament <NUM> in the first thread <NUM> has a typical width of from <NUM> to <NUM>. In addition, each second thread <NUM> comprises a plurality of filaments <NUM> which are helically wound together to form a multi-filament thread <NUM>. Typically, each second thread <NUM> comprises two filaments <NUM> which are helically wound together to form a multi-filament thread <NUM>. Each filament <NUM> in the second thread <NUM> has a width of from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Each of the first and second threads <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a polymer, for example high density polyethylene (HDPE).

The first threads <NUM> are uncolored and composed of a first polymer which is selected from a polymer incorporating a white pigment or dye, a transparent polymer or a translucent polymer. In the illustrated embodiment, the first threads <NUM> are transparent and consist of a transparent polymer, in particular transparent high density polyethylene (HDPE).

In contrast, the second threads <NUM> are colored red and composed of a second polymer which incorporates a red pigment or dye. The second threads <NUM> are adapted, as a result of the red coloration and incorporation of red pigment or dye, to transmit, scatter and reflect electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>, and optionally electromagnetic radiation as low as <NUM> and higher than <NUM> and to absorb electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>. The second threads <NUM> colored red are preferably translucent. In some embodiments, the second threads <NUM> are substantially opaque.

Each of the first and second threads <NUM>, <NUM> is UV-stabilised. For example, the threads may include a stabilizer component which absorbs ultraviolet radiation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second threads <NUM>, <NUM> are adapted to provide that from <NUM> to <NUM>%, typically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, for example about <NUM>%, of the area of the net <NUM> is provided by the first and second threads <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second threads <NUM>, <NUM> are adapted to provide from <NUM> to <NUM>%, typically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, for example about <NUM>%, shading by the net from incident sunlight on the net <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second threads <NUM>, <NUM> are adapted to provide from <NUM> to <NUM>%, typically <NUM> to <NUM>%, scattering by the net from incident sunlight on the net <NUM>.

In this specification, the shading % and scattering % values are calculated from measurements as described in <NPL>. In particular, net samples having an area of <NUM> x <NUM> were mounted <NUM> above a flat roof that allowed unobstructed solar radiation on the nets. Upward and downward radiative flux density above and below the net was measured with solarimeters (Kipp and Zonen, type CM10, CM11 and CMP6, Delft, Holland) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) with "quantum" sensors (LICOR, type LI190SZ, Lincoln, NE) every second and averaged every <NUM> minutes for a minimum of <NUM> days for each net. The net shading and scattering were calculated from measured radiation parameters using radiation balance equations. The spectra of the total solar radiation in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> in µmol m-<NUM>s-<NUM>nm-<NUM> both under and outside the net were measured by a LiCor LI-<NUM> spectroradiometer employing a light diffuser of <NUM> diameter above a <NUM> fibre optic sensor as described by Shahak et al. Spectra of the total radiation measurements were done on clear days at noon. The shading %, scattering %, Red:Far Red (R:FR) and Blue:Red (B:R) ratio of both total and scattered light for crystal, pearl and red nets were calculated from spectrum measured in the wavelength between <NUM> and <NUM>. The calculation was performed according to wavelength ranges used by Shahak et al <NUM>; Blue: <NUM>-<NUM>; Red: <NUM>-<NUM>; Far Red: <NUM>-<NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second threads <NUM>, <NUM> are adapted to provide a ratio between blue light in the wavelength range of from <NUM>-<NUM> and red light in the wavelength range of from <NUM>-<NUM> of from <NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, typically from <NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, of the light being scattered by the net <NUM> in a direction away from incident sunlight on the net <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second threads <NUM>, <NUM> are adapted to provide a ratio between blue light in the wavelength range of from <NUM>-<NUM> and red light in the wavelength range of from <NUM>-<NUM> of from <NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, the light being the total light in the respective wavelength range transmitted, scattered and reflected by the net <NUM> in a direction away from incident sunlight on to the net <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second threads <NUM>,<NUM> are adapted to provide (i) a ratio between red light in the wavelength range of from <NUM>-<NUM> and far red light in the wavelength range of from greater than <NUM> to up to <NUM> of from <NUM> to <NUM>: <NUM>, the light being scattered by the net <NUM> in a direction away from incident sunlight on to the net <NUM>, and (ii) a ratio between red light in the wavelength range of from <NUM>-<NUM> and far red light in the wavelength range of from greater than <NUM> to up to <NUM> of from <NUM> to <NUM>: <NUM>, the light being the total light in the respective wavelength range transmitted, scattered and reflected by the net <NUM> in a direction away from incident sunlight on to the net <NUM>.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the net <NUM> is used in a method of producing citrus fruit, in particular for production of citrus fruit from orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit or pomelo trees.

In the method, the photo-selective light spectrum-modifying net <NUM> of the invention is provided. The net <NUM> is supported above at least one citrus tree. Typically, the net <NUM> covers an orchard of a plurality of citrus trees, and the net <NUM> may cover many thousands of square meters. The net <NUM> is supported, for example by a framework, at a distance of at least <NUM> meter, typically from <NUM> to <NUM> meters, for example from <NUM> to <NUM> meters, above a top canopy of the at least one citrus tree. This height permits efficient light scattering by translucent and transparent filaments. The net <NUM> provides an air cushion above trees which allows air flow and gas exchange, and keeps heat away from the fruit and foliage. The air cushion also allows free movement of pollinating insects.

The provision of the first and second threads <NUM>, <NUM> provides that the net <NUM> functions as a photo-selective light spectrum-modifying net <NUM> which modifies the incident sunlight on the upper surface of the net <NUM> so that the resultant electromagnetic radiation which is transmitted though the net <NUM> and is incident on the citrus trees beneath the net <NUM> has a different electromagnetic spectrum than the incident sunlight.

A first proportion of the incident electromagnetic radiation in the sunlight is transmitted directly though the openings <NUM> in the net <NUM>, a second proportion of the incident electromagnetic radiation in the sunlight is absorbed by the net <NUM>, particularly the second threads <NUM>, a second proportion of the incident electromagnetic radiation in the sunlight is scattered by the net <NUM>, particularly the second threads <NUM>, downwardly away from the incident sunlight.

The net <NUM> consequently provides shading beneath the net <NUM> from the incident sunlight on the upper surface of the net <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second threads <NUM>,<NUM> are adapted to provide from <NUM> to <NUM>%, typically from <NUM> to <NUM>%, for example about <NUM>%, shading by the net <NUM> from incident sunlight on the net <NUM>.

The net <NUM> additionally provides scattering of the incident sunlight on the upper surface of the net <NUM>, the scattered radiation being directed downwardly towards the citrus tree(s) beneath the net <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second threads <NUM>,<NUM> are adapted to provide from <NUM> to <NUM>%, typically <NUM> to <NUM>%, scattering by the net from incident sunlight on the net <NUM>.

The second threads <NUM>, which are red, absorb radiation in the blue and green portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and transmit, scatter and reflect radiation in the red portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as far red radiation. The second threads <NUM>, which are red, are preferably translucent. The red and far red (i.e. R+FR) portions of the electromagnetic spectrum of sunlight are not absorbed by the second threads <NUM>. These red and far red portions are mostly transmitted through the second threads <NUM>, coming out of the second threads <NUM> as scattered/diffused red or far red light. A fraction of the red and far red portions is reflected by the second threads <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second threads <NUM>, <NUM> are adapted to provide a ratio between blue light in the wavelength range of from <NUM>-<NUM> and red light in the wavelength range of from <NUM>-<NUM> of from <NUM> to <NUM>: <NUM>, typically from <NUM> to <NUM>: <NUM>, of the light being scattered by the net <NUM> in a direction away from incident sunlight on the net <NUM>.

Accordingly, the net <NUM> provides that beneath the net, in a direction away from incident sunlight on to the net, the transmittance through the net of electromagnetic radiation, the transmittance being expressed as a percentage of the total radiation from incident sunlight on to the net in the respective wavelength range, is within the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>% in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM> and is within the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>% in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>. As used herein, the term "total radiation" is defined as the sum of (i) the direct radiation from incident sunlight and (ii) the indirect radiation from incident sunlight, the indirect radiation comprising scattered, diffused, and reflected radiation, at any particular measuring location.

Beneath the net <NUM>, in a direction away from incident sunlight on to the net <NUM>, the scattering through the net <NUM> of electromagnetic radiation, the scattering being expressed as a percentage of the scattered light out of total radiation beneath the net <NUM> in the respective wavelength range, is at least <NUM>% higher in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM> than in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>. In addition, beneath the net, the scattering, i.e. the % of electromagnetic radiation scattered by the net, is within the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>% in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM> and is within the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>% in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In the preferred embodiments, the net for use in the present invention has a ratio, in light beneath the net as a result of sunlight incident on a top surface of the net, of scattered light to total light which is at least <NUM>% across a wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In the preferred embodiments, the net for use in the present invention has a penetration of scattered sunlight, in light beneath the net as a result of sunlight incident on the top surface of the net, of at least <NUM>µmol m-<NUM> s-<NUM> nm-<NUM> across a wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In the preferred embodiments, the net for use in the present invention has a light transmittance, beneath the net as a result of sunlight incident on the top surface of the net, of at <NUM>% of the incident sunlight across a wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>.

These three parametric ranges, alone or in any combination of two or more thereof, provide enhanced photo-selective shading by the preferred net for use in the present invention, leading to enhanced citrus fruit yield.

These three parametric ranges were measured by measuring spectra of photon flux at midday (within <NUM> minutes of midday) using a spectroradiometer in a "Sun-oriented" position of, in which position in the spectroradiometer the sensor surface plane is oriented perpendicular to the sun rays. The plane of the tested nets was also oriented perpendicular to sun rays, and placed at ><NUM> above the sensor. The spectroradiometer used was a commercial spectroradiometer available from Apogee Instruments, Inc, UT USA, measuring in the wavelength bands UV-PAR-NIR (<NUM>-<NUM>) and the sensor was sun orientated with a diffuser having a diameter (D) of <NUM>. The wavebands were defined as: UV (<NUM> - <NUM>), Blue (<NUM> - <NUM>), Red (<NUM> - <NUM>) and Far Red (<NUM> - <NUM>). Again, the values are calculated from measurements as described in <NPL>.

The present invention will now be described further with reference to the following nonlimiting Examples.

The net of <FIG> was employed to shade a grove of citrus trees. The net was supported at a height of <NUM> above the ground. The first and second threads comprised UV-stabilized high density polyethylene. The first threads comprises a single transparent filament of width <NUM> with a spacing between adjacent first threads of <NUM>. The second threads comprise two red filaments which are helically wound together and each filament in the second thread has a width of <NUM> and a spacing between adjacent second threads of <NUM>.

The shading by the net was determined as <NUM> %.

The net of Example <NUM> was tested to measure the variation of transmittance, as a % of total radiation, with wavelength over the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. In addition, the net of Example <NUM> was tested to measure the variation of scattering, as a % of total radiation, with wavelength over the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

At a wavelength of approximately <NUM>, there is a significant increase in transmittance, and a significant increase in scattering.

In particular, it was found that beneath the net, in a direction away from incident sunlight on to the net, the transmittance through the net of electromagnetic radiation, the transmittance being expressed as a percentage of the total radiation from incident sunlight on to the net in the respective wavelength range, was at least <NUM>% higher in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM> than in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>. It was found that the transmittance was within the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>% in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM> and within the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>% in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>.

It was also found that the scattering through the net of electromagnetic radiation, the transmittance being expressed as a percentage of the total radiation from incident sunlight on to the net in the respective wavelength range, at least <NUM>% higher in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM> than in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>. The scattering was within the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>% in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM> and within the range of from <NUM> to <NUM>% in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>.

This increase in transmittance and scattering provides an increase in PAR.

The net of Example <NUM> was tested to determine the % shading and the % scattering using the test methodology described above. The ratio between radiation in the red (R = <NUM> - <NUM>) and far red (FR = <NUM> - <NUM>) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum was determined for the total light and scattered light and the results are shown in Table <NUM>. The ratio between radiation in the blue (B = <NUM> - <NUM>) and red (R = <NUM> - <NUM>) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum was determined for the total light and scattered light and the results are also shown in Table <NUM>.

Nets having the same net construction but different filament color were tested as above and the results are shown in Table <NUM>. Comparative Example <NUM> employed a net sold by Ginegar as a "Crystal" net, having uniform colorless transparent threads as the first and second threads, the shading by the net being determined as <NUM> %. Comparative Example <NUM> employed a net sold by Ginegar as a "Pearl" net, having uniform colorless translucent threads as the first and second threads, the shading by the net being determined as <NUM> %.

For Comparative Example <NUM>, it was found that at wavelengths higher than approximately <NUM>, the % transmittance is similar to Example <NUM>, but at lower wavelengths, the % transmittance is higher than for Example <NUM>, which means that the net of Comparative Example <NUM> would tend to transmit excessive thermal radiation which is not PAR but may overheat or scorch the plants. For scattering, in Comparative Example <NUM> it was found that at all wavelengths the % scattering is higher than for Example <NUM>, which again means that the net of Comparative Example <NUM> would tend to transmit excessive thermal radiation which is not PAR but may overheat or scorch the plants. In short, the net of Example <NUM> is more photo-selective for PAR than the net of Comparative Example <NUM>.

It was found that for Comparative Example <NUM> at all wavelengths the % transmittance and the % scattering are lower than for Example <NUM>, which means that the net of Comparative Example <NUM> would tend to transmit and scatter reduced PAR as compared to the net of Example <NUM>. In short, the net of Example <NUM> is more photo-selective for PAR than the net of Comparative Example <NUM>.

For the nets of Comparative Examples <NUM> and <NUM>, each net was tested to determine the % shading and the % scattering and the results are also shown in Table <NUM>. The ratio between radiation in the red (<NUM> - <NUM>) and far red (<NUM> - <NUM>) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum was determined for the total light and scattered light and the results are shown in Table <NUM>. The ratio between radiation in the blue (<NUM> - <NUM>) and red (<NUM> - <NUM>) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum was determined for the total light and scattered light and the results are also shown in Table <NUM>.

In Comparative Example <NUM> no net was employed for the transmittance and scattering measurements. There was no shading without any net.

It was found that for Comparative Example <NUM> at all wavelengths the % scattering is lower than for Example <NUM>. This shows that the net of Example <NUM> would tend to transmit and scatter high PAR as compared to having no net. In short, the net of Example <NUM> is more photo-selective for PAR than having no net as in Comparative Example <NUM>.

For Comparative Example <NUM>, the % shading and the % scattering were determined as for Example <NUM> and the results are also shown in Table <NUM>. The ratio between radiation in the red (<NUM> - <NUM>) and far red (<NUM> - <NUM>) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum was determined for the total light and scattered light and the results are shown in Table <NUM>. The ratio between radiation in the blue (<NUM> - <NUM>) and red (<NUM> - <NUM>) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum was determined for the total light and scattered light and the results are also shown in Table <NUM>.

Referring to Table <NUM>, it may be seen that the photo-selective net of Example <NUM> provides a low R:FR ratio for both total and scattered light and a low B:R ratio for both total and scattered light as Compared to Comparative Examples <NUM> to <NUM>. This indicates a high degree of photo-selectivity in the PAR region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Coupled with a medium degree of shading and scattering, this would tend to reduce the likelihood of overheating of the citrus crop while permitting a high degree of PAR radiation to be transmitted and scattered onto the crop, thereby enhancing citrus fruit yield.

In Example <NUM> the net of Example <NUM> was used as a shading and photo-selective net in an orange grove, using cultivar Valencia, over two growing seasons in an orange grove in Israel. There were <NUM> orange trees in season <NUM> and <NUM> orange trees in season <NUM> covered by the net of Example <NUM>.

The orange trees were mature trees used in commercial production of oranges, and the trees were fully irrigated. There were <NUM> trees per acre in the tested tree grove. The net was supported at a distance of from <NUM> to <NUM> meters above the top of the tree canopy at the start of the test period. The fruit weight per tree was determined in each of the two growing seasons, and the results are shown in <FIG>.

The increase in yield as compared to using no net (equivalent to Comparative Example <NUM> above) is indicated by a % value for the respective season. There were <NUM> orange trees in season <NUM> and <NUM> orange trees in season <NUM> not covered by any net in Comparative Example <NUM>. In can be seen that the net of Example <NUM> significantly increased orange fruit yield over the two growing seasons, achieving a greater than <NUM>% increase in yield, as compared to using no net.

The error bar indicates a <NUM>% confidence interval of each mean value.

The nets of Comparative Examples <NUM> and <NUM> were also used as a shading and photo-selective net in an orange grove over the two growing seasons. Again, the results are shown in <FIG>. There were <NUM> orange trees in season <NUM> and <NUM> orange trees in season <NUM> covered by the net of Comparative Example <NUM>. There were <NUM> orange trees in season <NUM> and <NUM> orange trees in season <NUM> covered by the net of Comparative Example <NUM>.

A comparison of the data from <FIG> shows that the net of Example <NUM> provided a higher orange fruit yield than the nets of Comparative Examples <NUM> and <NUM> and the absence of any net in Comparative Example <NUM>.

The net of Example <NUM> was used as a shading and photo-selective net in an orange grove over a part of a growing season. There were <NUM> orange trees of cultivar Valencia covered by the net of Example <NUM>.

The orange trees were mature trees used in commercial production of oranges, and the trees were fully irrigated. The net was supported at a distance of from <NUM> to <NUM> meters above the top of the tree canopy at the start of the test period. The fruit diameter of the fruit was determined and a fruit size (i.e. diameter) distribution was calculated, and the results are shown in <FIG>.

It may be seen that using the net of Example <NUM> provided a narrow fruit diameter distribution, with the greatest number of fruit per tree being in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. The narrowing of the fruit size distribution increases juice extraction from the citrus fruit, for example oranges produced for fruit juice processing as used in this example. It is believed that this technical effect can also apply to other citrus fruit.

The narrowing of the fruit size distribution as compared to using no net (equivalent to Comparative Example <NUM> above) is clearly shown in <FIG>. There were <NUM> orange trees not covered by any net in this comparison. In addition, the narrowing of the fruit size distribution as compared to using a Pearl net (equivalent to Comparative Example <NUM> above) is clearly shown in <FIG>. There were <NUM> orange trees covered by a Pearl net in this comparison.

The orange trees were mature trees used in commercial production of oranges, and the trees were fully irrigated. The net was supported at a distance of from <NUM> to <NUM> meters above the top of the tree canopy at the start of the test period. The firmness of the fruit was determined using a penetrometer to measure a penetrometer force, and the results are shown in <FIG>.

It may be seen that using the net of Example <NUM> provided a lower penetrometer force, which corresponds to firmer fruit, as compared to no net (equivalent to Comparative Example <NUM> above). There were <NUM> orange trees not covered by any net in this comparison. In addition, using the net of Example <NUM> provided a lower penetrometer force, which corresponds to firmer fruit, as compared to using a Pearl net (equivalent to Comparative Example <NUM> above). There were <NUM> orange trees covered by a Pearl net in this comparison.

The achievement of statistically firmer citrus fruit using a net in accordance with the present invention increases the juice extraction from the citrus fruit, in particular oranges produced for fruit juice processing. It is believed that this technical effect can also apply to other citrus fruit.

The net of Example <NUM> was used as a shading and photo-selective net over orange grown in two orange groves, with varieties Valencia and Hamlin, over a part of a growing season. There were <NUM> orange trees of cultivar Valencia covered by the net of Example <NUM>.

The orange trees were mature trees used in commercial production of oranges, and the trees were fully irrigated. The net was supported at a distance of from <NUM> to <NUM> meters above the top of the tree canopy at the start of the test period. The number of fruit per tree was determined, and the results are shown in <FIG>.

It may be seen that using the net of Example <NUM> provided a higher fruit yield, <NUM>% and <NUM> % (varieties Valencia and Hamlin respectively) higher as compared to using no net (equivalent to Comparative Example <NUM> above). There were <NUM> orange trees not covered by any net in this comparison. In addition, using the net of Example <NUM> provided a higher fruit yield, as compared to using a Pearl net (equivalent to Comparative Example <NUM> above). The Pearl net provided a <NUM>% and <NUM> % (varieties Valencia and Hamlin respectively) higher yield than using no net. There were <NUM> orange trees covered by a Pearl net in this comparison.

The achievement of statistically higher citrus fruit yield per tree using a net in accordance with the present invention increases the total volume of fruit juice extracted from a given number of the citrus fruit trees, in particular oranges produced for fruit juice processing. It is believed that this technical effect can also apply to other citrus fruit.

The net of Example <NUM> was subjected to a variety of spectral measurements to determine the ability of the net to transmit and scatter electromagnetic radiation from incident sunlight onto citrus trees below the net, with the transmitted and scattered electromagnetic radiation being in desired wavelength bands to enhance photosynthesis, thereby increasing fruit yield, and to reduce heat load. These parameters were measured using the protocol described above, in particular by measuring spectra of photon flux at midday (within <NUM> minutes of midday) using a spectroradiometer in a "Sun-oriented" position of, in which position in the spectroradiometer the sensor surface plane is oriented perpendicular to the sun rays. The plane of the tested nets was also oriented perpendicular to sun rays, and placed at ><NUM> above the sensor. The spectroradiometer used was a commercial spectroradiometer available from Apogee Instruments, Inc, UT USA, measuring in the wavelength bands UV-PAR-NIR (<NUM>-<NUM>) and the sensor was sun orientated with a diffuser having a diameter (D) of <NUM>. The wavebands were defined as: UV (<NUM> - <NUM>), Blue (<NUM> - <NUM>), Red (<NUM> - <NUM>) and Far Red (<NUM> - <NUM>). Again, the values are calculated from measurements as described in <NPL>.

Referring to <FIG>, this graph shows, for net of Example <NUM>, the variation with wavelength of the ratio, within light beneath the net as a result of sunlight incident on the top surface of the net, of the scattered light to total light. The plot for Example <NUM> exhibits a high scattering ratio, particularly in the wavelength regions of <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM> in which photosynthesis is enhanced.

Referring to <FIG>, this graph shows, for net of Example <NUM>, the variation with wavelength of the scattered sunlight penetration, within light beneath the net as a result of sunlight incident on the top surface of the net. The plot for Example <NUM> exhibits a high amount of scattered light, particularly in the wavelength regions of <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM> in which photosynthesis is enhanced.

Referring to <FIG>, this graph shows, for net of Example <NUM>, the variation with wavelength of the total sunlight penetration beneath the net as a result of sunlight incident on the top surface of the net. The plot for Example <NUM> exhibits a relatively low amount of total sunlight, but with peaks in the wavelength regions of <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM> in which photosynthesis is enhanced.

<FIG> shows that the net has a ratio, in light beneath the net as a result of sunlight incident on a top surface of the net, of scattered light to total light which is at least <NUM>% across a wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>. <FIG> shows that the net has a penetration of scattered sunlight, in light beneath the net as a result of sunlight incident on the top surface of the net, of at least <NUM>µmol m-<NUM> s-<NUM> nm-<NUM> across a wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>. <FIG> shows that the net has a light transmittance, beneath the net as a result of sunlight incident on the top surface of the net, of at least <NUM>% of the incident sunlight across a wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>.

As a comparison, <FIG> also show corresponding plots when there is no net, as in Comparative Example <NUM>. In fact, there are two Comparative Examples 3a and 3b in which no net was present. <FIG> shows that when there is no net present, there is a significantly lower ratio of scattered light, particularly in the wavelength regions of <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM> in which photosynthesis is enhanced. Also, <FIG> shows that when there is no net present, there is a significantly lower amount of scattered light, particularly in the wavelength regions of <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM> in which photosynthesis is enhanced. Finally, <FIG> shows that the total sunlight beneath the net is significantly higher across all wavelengths when no net is employed as compared to when the net of Example <NUM> is employed. This data shows that the use of the net according to the present invention significantly enhances photosynthesis, and reduces heat load, on citrus trees even though the net reduces the total electromagnetic radiation from sunlight reaching the fruit trees. The spectral data of <FIG> cumulatively show that the net of Example <NUM> is highly photo-selective in wavelength regions to achieve enhanced citrus fruit yield, enhanced fruit size uniformity and increased fruit firmness, all of which can lead to enhanced fruit juice production from citrus trees, in particular oranges produced for fruit juice processing. It is believed that this technical effect can also apply to other citrus fruit.

<FIG> also compare the net of Example <NUM> against the net of Comparative Example <NUM> and a further net of Comparative Example <NUM>. In Comparative Example <NUM>, the net has a thread arrangement similar to that of Example <NUM> except that all of the first and second threads are colored red and composed of polymer which incorporates a red pigment or dye threads, and no threads are white, transparent or translucent. The net of Comparative Example <NUM> provides <NUM>% shading by the net from incident sunlight on the net.

Referring to <FIG>, this graph shows, for the net of Example <NUM>, that the plot for Example <NUM> exhibits a higher scattering ratio than both the Pearl net of Comparative Example <NUM> and the entirely Red net of Comparative Example <NUM>, particularly in the wavelength regions of <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM> in which photosynthesis is enhanced. Referring to <FIG>, this graph shows, for net of Example <NUM>, that the plot for Example <NUM> exhibits a high amount of scattered light, particularly in the wavelength regions of <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM> in which photosynthesis is enhanced, than both the Pearl net of Comparative Example <NUM> and the entirely Red net of Comparative Example <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, this graph shows, for net of Example <NUM>, that the plot for Example <NUM> exhibits a somewhat similar of slightly higher amount of total sunlight as compared to both the Pearl net of Comparative Example <NUM> and the entirely Red net of Comparative Example <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, this graph shows, for net of Example <NUM>, the Pearl net of Comparative Example <NUM> and the entirely Red net of Comparative Example <NUM>, the variation with wavelength of the transmitted light, within light beneath the net as a result of sunlight incident on the top surface of the net. The plot for Example <NUM> exhibits a high amount of transmitted light, particularly in the wavelength region of <NUM> to <NUM> in which photosynthesis is enhanced. In this wavelength region to transmitted light for the net of Example <NUM> is significantly higher than for the entirely Red net of Comparative Example <NUM>, and somewhat higher than for the Pearl net of Comparative Example <NUM>.

The results of <FIG> cumulatively show that the net of the present invention has a higher photo-selective effect in wavelength regions which enhance photosynthesis and which increase fruit yield in citrus trees, particularly as a result of light scattering, than the Pearl net of Comparative Example <NUM> and the entirely Red net of Comparative Example <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A photo-selective light spectrum-modifying net (<NUM>) for use in citrus fruit production, the net comprising a woven array of parallel and mutually spaced first threads (<NUM>) and an array of parallel and mutually spaced second threads (<NUM>), the second threads (<NUM>) being inclined to the first threads (<NUM>) to define an array of openings (<NUM>) between the first and second threads (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the first threads (<NUM>) are uncolored and composed of a first polymer which is selected from a polymer incorporating a white pigment or dye, a transparent polymer or a translucent polymer, and the second threads (<NUM>) are colored red and composed of a second polymer which incorporates a red pigment or dye, the second threads (<NUM>) being translucent and adapted to transmit, scatter and reflect electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the second threads (<NUM>) are adapted to absorb electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of from <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the net (<NUM>) (i) provides from <NUM> to <NUM>% scattering by the net (<NUM>) from incident sunlight on the net (<NUM>), (ii) provides from <NUM> to <NUM>% shading by the net from incident sunlight on the net and, (iii) provides, with respect to light scattered by the net (<NUM>), in a direction away from incident sunlight on the net (<NUM>), a ratio between blue light in the wavelength range of from <NUM>-<NUM> and red light in the wavelength range of from <NUM>-<NUM> of from <NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.