Economic viability of different coloured shade nets on water use efficiency and nutrients in Keitt Mango

This study examined the economic viability of various colored shade nets on mango production (Mangifera indica L. cv. Keitt) in terms of climatic conditions, growth and productivity, nutrient status, and water use efficiency. The study investigated the effects of different screen net colors on plant growth over two seasons (2023 and 2024), focusing on minimum and maximum air temperatures and relative humidity under various screen net colors compared to open-field conditions. All shade nets resulted in elevated relative humidity and lower maximum temperatures. The black screen net and open-field treatments produced the lowest mango yields. In contrast, the use of white or yellow screen nets significantly increased both the number of fruits per plant and overall yield per plant compared to other treatments. The results indicate that white and yellow nets provided the most favorable environment for mango cultivation in Egypt, with yields of 3663 kg/2000 m² and 2997 kg/2000 m², respectively, in the first season. The black greenhouse net cover produced the lowest yield, at 1998 kg/2000 m², in the first season. Over the two seasons, the open-field treatment had the lowest macro- and micronutrient content. Furthermore, various screen net covers demonstrated higher water use efficiency throughout both seasons, with white screen nets outperforming yellow screen nets.