"We worked with the Federico II University in Naples to find solutions to improve air circulation and protection against insects. We also worked with the "Edmund Mach" foundation to contain phytosanitary treatments and protect crops from the rain," explains Davide Daresta, communications manager for Arrigoni, a leading Italian company in the design and manufacture of textiles for the agricultural sector.
The solutions found were presented at Fruit Logistica in Berlin during the "Advanced Agrotextilees for Green Healthcare - Air flow/Rain control/Drift control" seminar.
"The studies conducted by the University of Naples helped us obtain an anti-insect screen (Biorete Plus) that can prevent even the smallest insects such as aphids or thrips from entering while ensuring air circulation up to 32% higher than traditional nets. This was made possible to our now thinner yet resistant single-thread."
"More air means a lower humidity level, lower temperatures, a lower incidence of fungal diseases and higher yields. Our objective is to improve the design of screens that prevent the passing of insects without reducing ventilation. For an anti-insect screen to be effective, holes must have the same width or be smaller than the insect torso."
The high-tech anti-insect screens (100% HDPE monofilament) developed by Arrigoni are the following:
- Biorete 80 Air Plus (3382BT) against thrips. Hole size 0.15x0.31mm, weight 130g/m2, 26% air circulation, ventilation reduction up to 42%.
- Biorete 60 Air Plus (3363BT): against aphids and Bemisia Tabaci. Hole size 0.33x0.445mm, weight 90g/m2, 40% air circulation, 31% ventilation reduction.
- Biorete 50 Air Plus (3353BT): against aphids and Bemisia Tabaci. Hole size 0.33x0.68mm, weight 78g/m2, 47% air circulation, ventilation reduction up to 30%.
- Biorete 25 Air Plus (3326BT): against Drosophila Suzukii and Tuta Absoluta, hole size 1.02x0.88mm, weight 72g/m2, 58% air circulation, ventilation reduction up to 27%.
"Together with the "Edmund Mach" foundation, we analyzed the characteristics of Protecta, a close-knit very resistant fabric that can protect the crops from the rain, especially in case of sensitive produce such as cherries. There is nothing similar on the market, as this solution protects crops while at the same time favoring air circulation thanks to its excellent porosity percentage."
For further information:
Arrigoni SpA
Via Monte Prato 3
22029 Uggiate Trevano (CO)
Tel.: (+39) 031803200
Fax: (+39) 031803206
Email: info@arrigoni.it
Website: www.arrigoni.it