Anti-insects netting installed in the ventilation openings of closed cultivation structures serve as a physical barrier that reduces or prevents the entry of pest insects. Properly designed netting can significantly decrease some crop phytosanitary problems.
One of the most effective netting densities for protection against small insects like Bemisia tabaci is 50 Mesh [20×10 threads/cm2]. However, if the high-density anti-insects netting is not designed properly, it can reduce the number of greenhouse air renewals, hindering the development of the crop’s suitable microclimate.
In greenhouses, the only way to overcome this constraint is to increase their ventilation area to compensate for the reduction in the porosity of denser fabrics.
To counteract the loss of porosity that results from increasing the number of threads introduced per unit of length, it is necessary to use thinner fibers and decrease the width-to-length ratio of the pores, i.e., make fabrics with “more rectangular” pores that result in nets with a “prison effect” defense against pests.
As we have mentioned in previous publications, the efficiency of the physical barrier effect of the anti-insects netting is also conditioned by:
- Airspeed: speeds between 1.5 to 3 m s-1 can significantly increase the number of individuals that manage to penetrate the pores in the densest anti-insects netting.
- Temperature: insect activity is more intense when temperatures rise, facilitating their passage through the pores of the anti-insects netting.
GreenNets anti-insects netting is made with very fine threads, high homogeneity, and adequate porosity to maintain greenhouse ventilation. For more information on our 50 Mesh anti-insects netting, please visit the following link.
