A team of researchers from Michigan, in collaboration with experienced orchardists Jim Koan from Almar Orchards and Phil Schwallier from Schwallier’s Country Basket, is investigating the effectiveness of netting systems as a sustainable method for managing pests and enhancing fruit development. This project, led by Todd Einhorn from Michigan State University and funded by an NCR-SARE Research and Education grant, combines commercial expertise with academic research. The team is examining the benefits of over-the-row netting applied to three apple cultivars: 'Liberty,' 'Honeycrisp,' and 'Gala.' The goal is to reduce chemical use, protect crop yields, and create a more resilient approach for apple growers in the Midwest, especially organic growers.
Key Findings
Even though using nets slightly reduced fruit set in some cultivars, the overall yields remained strong and marketable. The quality of the fruit met industry standards for firmness, color, and sugar content. Perhaps most impressively, the nets provided full protection for the trees against hail damage, which could cause a yield loss of up to 10% in rows without netting.
On the pest side, the nets kept codling moth and San Jose scale out almost entirely, eliminating the need for insecticide applications on those trees. Organic growers, in particular, reported labor savings—up to 80 hours per season—thanks to reduced pest monitoring and spraying. While woolly apple aphid populations increased under nets, no damage to fruit was seen.
The research team also noted an improvement in return bloom for some cultivars, a promising sign that netting could help manage biennial bearing, a tough challenge for apple growers. Between reduced chemical inputs and improved crop consistency, netting may offer a more sustainable path forward.
Increasing opportunities for growers
"By working side by side with researchers to construct and manage the nets, growers gained direct experience with the technology, including timing, deployment, and in-season adjustments," said Einhorn. "This participatory method fostered practical understanding, encouraged peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, and empowered growers to evaluate the system's fit within their unique production models—ultimately enhancing adoption of sustainable practices through experiential education."
With projected profit gains of $1,200 to $1,500 per acre, netting might be more than a hail shield. It could be a practical tool for boosting yield, saving labor, and cutting inputs. As the study enters its next phase, the team is continuing to test and share what they’ve learned.
