Effects of Rain Covers on Orchard Microclimate in Sweet Cherries ( Prunus avium L.)

Protected cropping systems, including rain covers, are used in cherry orchards to protect fruit from adverse climate events. However, there is limited understanding of how rain covers might affect microclimatic conditions in Australia, causing concerns among growers which may slow the adoption of rain covers. To address this knowledge gap, a trial was established in the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 growing seasons to investigate the effects of self‐ventilating rain covers on the microclimate of a commercial cherry orchard in New South Wales, Australia. Digital sensors were deployed to measure air temperature and relative humidity. The rain covers were found to alter the microclimate conditions, with effects varying both within and between seasonal climate conditions. Under warm conditions (daily maximum temperature of 27°C or above), the covers reduced daily maximum temperatures (by around 4°C) while increasing daily minimum humidity (by around 17%). Under cool conditions (daily maximum temperature below 27°C), the covers had limited effects on the microclimate beneath. The findings suggest that plastic self‐ventilating rain covers could protect cherries from extreme heat and reduce irrigation needs, making them a potentially useful strategy for growers seeking to adapt to a changing climate.