The Photoselective Netting represents an innovative agro-technical concept, which upgrades the conventional net covering to a more sophisticated level, beyond its mere protective functions. In collaboration with Polysack Plastics Industries in Israel, we have developed the technological concept, as well as a collection of photoselective (colored) net products, and studied them in numerous crops during the past 16 years. The different ColorNet products (ChromatiNets®) were designed to selectively screen out defined spectral bands of the solar radiation in the UV, and/or visible spectral ranges, concomitantly with transforming direct light into scattered/diffused light. The spectral manipulation is aiming at specifically promoting desired physiological responses, while the light scattering is improving the penetration of the spectrally-modified light into the inner plant canopy, thus increasing the efficiency of light-dependent processes. Additional aspects of the technology relate to photoselective effects on plant pests and diseases. Our studies in ornamental crops revealed pronounced differential responses to photoselective shading, relative to the traditional black shading (at equivalent shading levels). These include stimulated vegetative vigor (under the Red and Yellow nets), dwarfing (Blue), enhanced branching (Grey, Pearl), as well as various effects on leaf size, variegation, time-to-flowering and flower quality. In vegetables (bell peppers, tomatoes), the Red, Yellow and Pearl shade nets were found to markedly increase the productivity, compared with the common-practice covers. The photoselective features of these shade nets also affected the crop infestation by insect-pests and their carried viral diseases, as well as the occurrence of pathogenic fungal diseases. The combined effects resulted in better crop yields, improved fruit quality, and lower susceptibility to decay during post-harvest storage. Netting studies of fruit tree crops, traditionally grown un-netted (e.g. apples, pears, persimmon, table-grapes) revealed multiple benefits of the netting. The photoselective responsive parameters included productivity, water use efficiency, fruit maturation rate, fruit size, and fruit quality. This article is overviewing major breakthroughs achieved in ornamentals, vegetables and fruit crops in Israel, practical applications by growers, and future prospects.
Photoselective netting: An overview of the concept, r and d and practical implementation in agriculture
1015
Shahak, Y., Institute of Plant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Photoselective netting: An overview of the concept, r and d and practical implementation in agriculture
The Photoselective Netting represents an innovative agro-technical concept, which upgrades the conventional net covering to a more sophisticated level, beyond its mere protective functions. In collaboration with Polysack Plastics Industries in Israel, we have developed the technological concept, as well as a collection of photoselective (colored) net products, and studied them in numerous crops during the past 16 years. The different ColorNet products (ChromatiNets®) were designed to selectively screen out defined spectral bands of the solar radiation in the UV, and/or visible spectral ranges, concomitantly with transforming direct light into scattered/diffused light. The spectral manipulation is aiming at specifically promoting desired physiological responses, while the light scattering is improving the penetration of the spectrally-modified light into the inner plant canopy, thus increasing the efficiency of light-dependent processes. Additional aspects of the technology relate to photoselective effects on plant pests and diseases. Our studies in ornamental crops revealed pronounced differential responses to photoselective shading, relative to the traditional black shading (at equivalent shading levels). These include stimulated vegetative vigor (under the Red and Yellow nets), dwarfing (Blue), enhanced branching (Grey, Pearl), as well as various effects on leaf size, variegation, time-to-flowering and flower quality. In vegetables (bell peppers, tomatoes), the Red, Yellow and Pearl shade nets were found to markedly increase the productivity, compared with the common-practice covers. The photoselective features of these shade nets also affected the crop infestation by insect-pests and their carried viral diseases, as well as the occurrence of pathogenic fungal diseases. The combined effects resulted in better crop yields, improved fruit quality, and lower susceptibility to decay during post-harvest storage. Netting studies of fruit tree crops, traditionally grown un-netted (e.g. apples, pears, persimmon, table-grapes) revealed multiple benefits of the netting. The photoselective responsive parameters included productivity, water use efficiency, fruit maturation rate, fruit size, and fruit quality. This article is overviewing major breakthroughs achieved in ornamentals, vegetables and fruit crops in Israel, practical applications by growers, and future prospects.