The innovative color of Total Grey anti-hail nets by Artes Politecnica is particularly suitable for varieties that need a lot of light, especially late ones.
"We are approaching summer and every day is increasingly decisive to guarantee an excellent production of peaches and nectarines. The frequent sudden hailstorms put these crops at risk and, while nets are now the only way to guarantee a good harvest, the right light conditions are needed for ripening," explains Artes Politecnica.
White/crystal nets have always been a point of reference in terms of light, technical shading, lower relative humidity and therefore increased fruit quality (especially when it comes to reduced rotting), but the fact that they do not last very long has led to the search for alternative colors. Black nets are the best when it comes to durability, but lead to lower quality standards due to the higher shading. A compromise was needed to combine the positive characteristics of the two colors.
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Soc. agr. coop. Sanifrutta di Costigliole Saluzzo (CN), part of OP Joinfruit, compared traditional black nets with Total Grey in a company located in Verzuolo, covering a yellow nectarine orchard with medium-late harvesting with the two different colors. The difference in shading and, therefore, lighting could immediately be observed.
As reported, while black nets last longer, a shading of 18% can cause delays in ripening and reduced or non-uniform color. Total Grey nets have the same protection and durability of the black version thanks to a thicker thread and the presence of carbon black, while limiting shading.
Technical manager Alex Tallone was impressed by this solution. "There have been no problems so far. Light conditions are the same as those under crystal nets, which is important for plant growth."
For further information: 
Artes Politecnica
www.artespolitecnica.it
export@artespolitecnica.it
Sanifrutta
www.sanifrutta.com 
a.tallone@sanifrutta.com