The Improvement of Productive Performances of Clementine Trees (Citrus Clementina Hort. Ex Tan.) Sprayed with Reflective Material

Decrease in photosynthesis results from high leaf temperature, photosynthetic photon flux density, and UV-B. Here, we investigated whether a reflective material (kaolin) could improve photosynthetic performance and yield of clementine (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan., “Comune” cultivar) in southern Italy. Kaolin was sprayed on tree canopies every month during two summers; gas exchange, fluorimetry, and qualitative and productive parameters were measured. Kaolin increased the total average yield per tree and improved fruit color. PCA indicated that the best performances were obtained with kaolin in the last harvest. Kaolin affected the final fruit price by 3%, justifying its use.