Articles | Open Access |

EFFECTIVENESS OF NETS IN PROTECTED PEACH CULTIVATION: ENHANCING GROWTH AND PEST CONTROL

Gloria Schettini , Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Bari, Italy

Abstract

Protected cultivation has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance crop yield and quality in modern agriculture. This study explores the effectiveness of nets in peach cultivation, focusing on their role in improving plant growth and pest control. By utilizing different types of protective nets, such as shade nets and insect-proof nets, the microclimate within the cultivation area is modified, providing optimal conditions for peach trees to thrive. The research evaluates the impact of nets on temperature regulation, light intensity, and humidity, all of which contribute to enhanced growth rates and fruit quality. Additionally, the use of nets significantly reduces the incidence of pests, minimizing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices.

The findings of this study demonstrate that net-covered peach cultivation not only boosts plant vigor and fruit yield but also mitigates common agricultural challenges such as pest infestations and harsh weather conditions. This research provides valuable insights into the application of netting systems in peach farming, offering practical solutions to improve productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Keywords

Peach cultivation, protective nets, growth enhancement

References

Baraldi R., Rossi F., Facini O., Fasolo F., Rotondi A., MagliM., Nerozzi F., Light environment, growth and morpho-genesis in a peach tree canopy. Physiologia Plantarum,1994, 91, 339-345.

Briassoulis D., Mistriotis A., Eleftherakis D., Mechanicalbehaviour and properties of agricultural nets. Part I:Testing methods for agricultural nets. Polymer Testing,2007a, 26, 882-832.

Castellano S., Scarascia Mugnozza G., Russo G., Brias-soulis D., Mistriotis A., Hemming S., Waaijenberg D.,Plastic Nets in Agriculture: a General Review of Typesand Applications. Applied Engineering in Agriculture,2008, 24 (6), 799-808.

Cosgrove D.J., Green P.B., Rapid suppression of growth byblue light. Plant Physiology, 1981, 68, 1447-1453.

Dichio B., Xiloyannis C., Nuzzo V., Montanaro G., PaleseA.M., Posharvest regulated deficit irrigation of peachtree in a mediterranean enviroment: effects on vegetativegrowth and yield. Acta Horticulture, 2004, 664, 169-174.

Duffie J.A., Beckman W.A., Solar engineering of thermalprocesses. John Wiley & Sons, 1991, New York.

Kittas C., Baille A., Giaglaras P., Influence of covering ma-terial and shading on the spectral distribution of light ingreenhouses. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Re-search, 1999, 73, 341-351.

Moe R., Morgan L., Grindal G., Growth and plant morphol-ogy of cucumis savitus and Fuchsia x hybrid are influ-enced by light quality during the photoperiod and by di-urnal temperature alternations. Acta Horticulturae, 2002,580, 229-234.

Oren-Shamir M., Gussakovsky E.E., Shpiegel E., Nissim-Levi A., Ratner K., Ovadia R., Giller Y.E., Shahak Y.,Coloured shade nets can improve the yield and qualityof green decorative branches of Pittosporum variegatum.Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology, 2001,76 (3), 353-361.

Pearce S.C., The agricultural field experiment: a statisticalexamination of theory and practice. John Wiley & Sons,1983, New York, USA. 335 pp.

Rajapakse N. C., Young R. E., McMahon M. J., Oi R., Plantheight control by photoselective filters: current statusand future prospects. HortTechnology, 1999, 9 (4), 618-624.

Article Statistics

Copyright License

Download Citations

How to Cite

Gloria Schettini. (2024). EFFECTIVENESS OF NETS IN PROTECTED PEACH CULTIVATION: ENHANCING GROWTH AND PEST CONTROL. The American Journal of Agriculture and Biomedical Engineering, 6(10), 1–6. Retrieved from https://theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajabe/article/view/5479