Gal, E., Polysack Plastic Industries, Nir Yitzhak - Sufa, Israel
Ganelevin, R., Polysack Plastic Industries, Nir Yitzhak - Sufa, Israel

Nets are commonly used to protect agricultural crops from either excessive solar radiation, or environmental hazards, or pests. We are developing a new concept, by which the nets are used for specific modification of sunlight, concomitant with improving the microclimate, and providing the desired physical protection. A series of ColorNet products was produced, each net differentially modifying the spectrum (in the visible, and/or UV, FR or IR regions) of the incident radiation, and at the same time enriching the relative content of scattered light. The spectral manipulation promotes physiological responses, while light scattering improves light penetration into the plant canopy. The approach aims at combining as many benefits as possible in one technology. The ColorNet approach was evaluated during the past seven years in numerous ornamentals, edible field crops, fruit trees and vineyards. The benefits of the colored-netting approach, include extending the harvest season (early and late maturation), and improving the yield, product quality and the overall agroeconomical performance of agricultural crops.