In warm climates, maintaining ventilation and comfortable conditions in greenhouses is crucial, making pest control management a consistently important issue.
Climate change and rising temperatures, particularly in warm winters, contribute to an increased reproduction rate and larger sizes of insects. Human intervention in crop cultivation, such as restricted food sources for insects in protected areas, monoculture cultivation, and reduced biodiversity, has made insects more aggressive. Often, pesticides prove ineffective, with shorter lists and stronger insect resistance.
In recent years, geopolitical challenges have posed new obstacles for producers. Escalating energy costs not only raise production expenses but also limit resources for technological investments. Some crops, like tomatoes, face the added threat of new viruses such as Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), devastating entire productions. Although new varieties are emerging, growers need time to comprehend growing practices, quality, and crop characteristics.
During our recent visits to growers and greenhouse constructors, we sought to understand the challenges they’ve faced in recent years and their current requirements for insect protection.
“Maintaining a high level of insect control is always a priority. Adequate airflow is essential to reduce temperature and humidity levels. We also need screens with robust mechanical resistance capable of enduring the stress of frequent window openings and closings, sometimes up to 30 times a day for at least 3 years. Changing screens within one productive cycle poses significant challenges, not only in terms of screen costs and installation but also in ensuring a secure production.”
Many of them encountered issues like screen tearing and opening after 1 or 2 years of use. Some installers suggest that perhaps there’s an overemphasis on air permeability, leading to weaker screens. “Let’s reinforce screen resistance, enabling larger windows.”
Considering these challenges, ARRIGONI’s R&D team introduced a new concept in insect protection, PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN:
To support this concept, we developed a special yarn with advanced characteristics—ARLENE HT®—after years of research on different recipes, extrusion methods, and laboratory and greenhouse testing.