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Entry Date
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Nick Name
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Location
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Friday, June 12, 2015
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Matt D.
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Connecticut
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Entry 23 of 92 |
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The second part of my plan is a visual deterrent and I have chosen to use shade netting called “Aluminet”. I spoke with some other growers that had success with this system so I looked over what they had used and made some adjustments to fit my area. I decided to use 60% shade netting and also go with a 7ft height. This material with 60% shading did have some data to show it repelled insects and the fine mesh may also have the added benefit of being a physical barrier to some degree, even though it is porous. The entire patch perimeter has been covered (even though it is not fully set-up in this image) for maximum protection.
The concept behind this idea is the shine of the material confuses the insects and makes them think this is part of the sky and they want to fly down where it is shaded. I did an experiment in the greenhouse with aluminum foil on some benches and there was noticeably less aphids on the bench with the aluminum foil than the other non treated (control) benches so there is some truth behind this idea. Reflective mulches also work in field applications to reduce thrip populations.
This does add a unique look to the patch and there is the added bonus of getting some wind protection from the material. You will notice in the picture that there are many vertical poles as these are all needed to prevent the material from becoming one big sail in the wind. So, far everything has held up well through some of the recent weather.
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