Reflective Ground Cover For Coloring Apples At Harvest: Could Yield Revenue
Position Open, Business Management Specialist
Lake Ontario Fruit Program
Reflective ground cover has been used in fruit-growing regions for a number of years now. The Lake Ontario Fruit Team conducted a field trial of reflective ground cover in 2018 at two Wayne County farms.
We found benefits in fruit quality, including as much as a 20% increase in Extra Fancy Grade fruit at harvest. Corresponding benefits in economic revenue could be as much as $2000 per acre.
An infographic with a summary of information, including ground cover types and suppliers, and the results of our study, can be found in the Fruit Notes (Volume 19, Issue 10) and as a pdf file on this page.
Reflective Ground Cover For Coloring Apples At Harvest Infographic (pdf; 390KB)
- An infographic with a summary of information, including groundcover types and suppliers, and the results of our study.
Upcoming Events
2025 Respirator Fit Testing in Wayne County
April 17, 2025
Pultneyville, NY
A one day clinic for respirator fit testing will be held in Wayne County on April 17th. Please be sure to register by April 7th, as space is limited.
Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings

April 24, 2025 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 1 of 4
Hilton, NY
Join specialists Janet Van Zoeren, Anya Osatuke, and Anna Wallis for a conversation about fruit and berry phenology and pest management, at a new location each month.
May 29, 2025 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 2 of 4
June 26, 2025 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 3 of 4
July 31, 2025 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 4 of 4
Respirator Fit Testing in Orleans County
May 7, 2025 : Afternoon Clinic
Albion, NY
Afternoon respirator fit testing clinic will be held in Orleans County on May 7th, save the date.
May 8, 2025 : Morning Clinic
Albion, NY
Morning respirator fit testing clinic will be held in Orleans County on May 8th, save the date.