Use of netting in apple tree hedges

Although it is true that this technique is increasingly used throughout the world, we believe it is necessary to remember the multiple advantages that this cover brings to the crop and to farmers in particular. The main objective of mulching is to reduce economic losses caused by adverse weather events, such as hail, wind or excessive sunshine, and to greatly reduce insect and bird attacks.

Climate change is causing globally that there are unusual climatic agents for the season or even for the area, with storms occurring in places where this phenomenon was not usual. Therefore, the only way to guarantee the recovery of the farmer's investment, or at least the most economical one, is by covering the fruit trees with a net.

Three types of mesh are commonly used in the market:

• Mesh rachelwhich serves to increase the percentage of shade on the crop, but it is mmesh of lower mechanical strength to hail and less durability, between 2 to 3 years, although more economical.
• Anti-hail monofilament netswhich offer greater resistance and durability, with 5 years.

Now, the Criado y López group has developed a monofilament mesh with greater mechanical resistance, between 200-250% more resistant than the traditional mesh, and a longer duration of 7 years, which significantly helps the farmer to amortize the investment, since it is a product that costs only 10% more but has a duration of 2 years more, making it more affordable for the farmer.

To all these advantages we must add the increase in production due to the microclimate produced under the mesh, where wind erosion is reduced, higher relative humidity is maintained and there is less damage to the fruit by the fruit hitting the leaves or the tree due to the effect of the wind, which in some cases can be up to 15-20%.

From the Criado y López group we also offer the possibility, based on the variety or climatic zone, to include different compositions in the construction of the mesh so that we generate the percentage of shade we want depending on the crop. This mesh integration reduces the incidence of the sun's effect on the fruit.