Shading

Shading partly or fully shields plants from sunlight with cloth or other materials. It prevents sunburn and other light damage, and it has various effects on the composition and quality of fruits; shaded fruit may colour differently and accumulate different sugar and acid levels. Growers use shading to manage heat stress and to steer fruit toward desired quality traits. It is a simple, non-chemical tool for quality management. It is low-tech but effective crop management. Smallholders across the tropics use it widely.