How hail netting reduces apple fruit surface temperature: A microclimate and modelling study

•Hail netting is increasingly being used in the Australian apple industry to reduce sun damage.•We tested the effect of netting on apple temperature through a microclimate study and modelling.•Netting decreased median fruit surface temperatures in the late afternoon by 1.5–2.0°C.•The mechanism was by the netting reducing the intensity of direct solar radiation.