PRISMA®: temperature control and light management to benefit plant productivity and operator well-being
30 March 2021
Salads need no longer fear high temperatures, which risk compromising their quality and creating uncomfortable working conditions for operators. Arrigoni, an international leader in the production of technical textiles for agriculture, offers PRISMA®, heat-reflecting screens, rigorously field-tested technological solutions that protect crops and significantly increase productivity. PRISMA®’s high value is demonstrated by trials carried out on spinach, which show, in both qualitative and quantitative terms, the superiority of crops grown under Arrigoni’s heat-reflecting screen compared to other solutions on the market.
Consumption of ready-to-eat salads, which grew exponentially before the health emergency, is not experiencing a crisis. According to data from Nielsen and the UnioneItaliana Food IV-ready-to-eat produce , there have only been modest losses and we can therefore expect that, once the pandemic is over, the segment will fully recover and return to its pre-Covid positive trend.
Crops intended for ready-to-eat produce are generally very sensitive to environmental conditions because they need uniform light and heat that is not excessive. Arrigoni’s highly effective solutions improve the general conditions of salad crops, thereby increasing their photosynthetic yield, protecting them from burning and helping to save water.
PRISMA®, temperature control and improved light diffusionPRISMA® is a range of polyethylene strip textiles with LD-Light Diffusion additive that reflects IR rays, improves the microclimate, reduces temperature and at the same time increases the percentage of diffused light.
“The special LD-Light Diffusion additive formulated by Arrigoni’s laboratory and added to the yarn during production,” comments Giuseppe Netti, agronomist and member of Arrigoni’s R&D team, “increases the percentage of diffused light in the PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) spectrum and reflects more IR (Infrared) radiation, which is responsible for the increase in temperature under cover”.
“Comparative research in the field,” continues Netti, “proves beyond doubt that PRISMA® effectively improves crop conditions compared to other solutions available on the market”.
PRISMA®, the astonishing trials on spinachAn example of PRISMA®’s effectiveness is the trials on spinach. The qualitative results of the comparison between PRISMA® and standard nets available on the market leave no room for doubt: spinach grown under the grey-coloured net had all the most important commercial characteristics at an average level, whereas spinach produced under the black and white cover had elongated, light green leaves without any of the most desirable market characteristics. The spinach grown under PRISMA®, by contrast, had the right shape, a dark green colour and strong blistering. Moreover, the leaves had short stems, which indicates that the plants are growing in good light conditions.
(The table shows the quantitative findings of the test)
Ultimately, PRISMA® ensures a lower temperature and improves the passage of light in the PAR spectrum. This greatly reduces damage from burning and improves production quality and quantity. Lower temperatures, in addition to allowing more efficient photosynthesis, reduce water requirements by 20-30%.
For more information: https://www.arrigoni.it/
Read more:
Watermelon and Melon season | FRESH ENERGY
23 May 2024
Fresh Energy is one of Egypt’s growers and exporters of fresh vegetables and fruits. Fresh Energy offers from the its farm where the highest quality fresh produce are grown, in accordance with the strictest quality standards. This allows to maintain control over every step of the process, from seed to shelf, ensuring the freshest, most flavorful produce for customers. »
GPG brings new blackberry genetics to the market
22 May 2024
Global Plant Genetics (GPG) and Polish Rubus breeding programme, Niwa, have just concluded a licensing arrangement for two new primocane blackberry varieties. The agreement is for GPG to represent the Maryna and Juhas cultivars in a range of international territories. Bartek Danek, Director of Niwa, stated, “it has been important for our blackberry breeding efforts to develop primocane varieties. »
Interpera2024: focus on the technical visits
22 May 2024
Interpera 2024 will gather the international pear sector from 26 to 27 June in Óbidos, Portugal. In addition to the main conference day, the organisers have prepared pear technical visits that just cannot be missed! The participants will learn about the Portuguese pear cultivation and conservation. The programmewill mix knowledge exchange and company visits. »