Walter Ruggia of the Italian company Retilplast is pleased with the results some of his customers have achieved in terms of early ripening of cherry trees.
"When we recommend and sell the net covers to growers, we know that the results will come quickly, both in terms of marketing and in terms of the quality of the fruit, which is larger, richer in color, and with a more uniform and sweeter pulp. An uncovered cherry orchard has become impossible to manage, especially now that the climate is changing. In addition to protecting the product in adverse weather conditions, the protective systems allow growers to harvest and be present on the market even on rainy days when it is difficult to access the open field. While our customers are harvesting the last variety under protective nets, other cherry growers in the same areas are starting to harvest in the open field."
A cherry orchard with a closed central ventilation corridor
What makes the difference in anticipating the ripening of the cherries is precisely the adjustable central aeration corridor (0 to 100 cm) between the rows of plants, which is equipped with Reinforced Rebounding Technology, complemented by the Polyfilm Plus sheet, also under the Retilplast brand.
Drawing of the central ventilation corridor
"The farmer can open and close the central and lateral structure according to the weather conditions, thus controlling the temperature inside the greenhouse to achieve a flowering time 15 days earlier than outside. The temperature inside the greenhouse must remain between 22° and 28° C for a good part of the fruit development and growth period," explains Retilplast's Technological Innovation Manager, Walter Ruggia.
Chernobyl with adjustable central ventilation aisle
"Our customers usually see the first flowers by mid-February after the main corridor is closed at the end of January. From then on, the corridor is kept open during the day to prevent moisture build-up and to allow the bees to circulate and pollinate. On sunny days, however, the aisle is kept open to prevent the temperature from rising above 30 degrees. According to this technique, the harvest begins around 2 or 3 April and ends around 15 April. The area where these cultivation techniques are applied is mainly the province of Bari."
For more information:
Retilplast srl
Industrial Area, exit A3
84022 Campagna (SA) - Italy
Tel: (+39) 0828 45359
[email protected]
retilplast.it
