Effect of Curtain Treatment with Polyethylene Non‐woven Fabric White Reflective Sheet to Improve Coloration of ‘saijo’ Persimmon

Polyethylene non‐woven fabric white reflective sheet treatments were applied to ‘Saijo’ persimmon to improve the coloration of fruits. Persimmon trees with modified leader type training were used in this study. The color chart (CC) value of curtain treatment was significantly increased compared with the control, and no significant difference was observed between curtain and mulch treatments. The sugar contents (°Brix) of fruit among the curtain treatment, mulch treatment, and control were not significantly different. No damage of fruits or twigs was observed in the curtain treatment, and no negative effect was observed in the shelf life of harvested fruits. White reflective sheet use with on-ground mulching has the disadvantage of the sheet becoming dirty during cultivation. On the other hand, curtain treatment using a white reflective sheet can be expected to prolong the useful life of the sheet as well as promote cost reduction. In this study, curtain treatment with white reflective sheet treatments improved the fruit skin color of persimmon.