In a global scenario where the supply of fruit of various origin is high and where there is demand for healthy produce, there is the need to employ new cultivation technologies. Especially over the past ten years, covers have been used to protect fruit, improving its quality and guaranteeing production over time.
Blueberries under nets
In response to this need, Serroplast, a company with over 35 years of experience in the production, commercialization and set up of "turnkey" solutions for vineyards and orchards, has also developed "made to measure" cover solutions for small fruits such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
Structures are made entirely of iron, so they are fully recyclable and environmentally sustainable. Classic cement rods have been replaced by an innovative iron beam system that guarantees an excellent mechanical performance for the stability and sturdiness of the entire structure while reducing maintenance costs in the long run.
To develop these innovative structures, Serroplast designed machines suitable for the entire process that need fewer skilled operators and that diminish the cost of developing the entire turnkey structure.
Giuseppe Borracci in an archive photo
FreshPlaza talked about it with Giuseppe Borracci, development manager for small fruit structures, who explained that "this new concept makes it possible to take advantage of the entire area, without leaving unused spaces like it usually happens with traditional structures. The combined use of 'made to measure' structures and plastic films enables growers to obtain a higher quality."
"High quality is achieved thanks to a correct light management obtained through specific plastic films combined with improved internal temperature, reduced humidity, constant ventilation and total protection against undesired weather events such as rain, hail and wind. In addition, the mechanical properties of our plastic films enable us to install a single film instead of two separate ones, thus saving money, simplifying installation and making the structure ridge hermetically sealed."
"This technology helps diminish the use of pesticides, as the microclimate is controlled to reduce temperature peaks and high humidity percentages and makes light uniform. Producers can also harvest for an extended period of time, enabling them to work during the more profitable market windows."
"Thanks to their capability of managing temperature and light, the plastic films used guarantee uniform fruit sizes that can be hard to reach with other technologies. This in turn reduces the hours used for harvesting and increases plant productivity."
Contacts:
MAGEL SRL
Via Del Commercio, n.c. 
70018 - Rutigliano (BA)
Tel.: +39 080 477 1526
Fax: +39 080 477 1279
Email: info@serroplast.it
Website: www.serroplast.it