Articles
Impact of insect proof nets on the microclimate and on the risks of fungal development in a plant cover
Article number
1426_30
Pages
211 – 218
Language
English
Abstract
In France, unheated greenhouses cover an area of more than 7000 ha.
They allow the production of ornamental plants, fruits and vegetables with high added value.
In summer, it is often necessary to open the greenhouse during the day to promote ventilation and avoid excessive temperatures.
These conditions can however be favourable to the penetration and proliferation of insect pests inside the shelters.
In Mediterranean regions, where pest pressure is more important, insect proof nets are quite often used.
They allow to reduce the pressure of pests and represent an alternative and a complementary strategy to diminish phytosanitary treatments.
However, nets also limit ventilation and thus increase the confinement of crops, inducing an increase in temperature and hygrometry that can be responsible for physiological blockade of plants and enhanced fungal risks.
To evaluate the influences of these phenomena, two tunnels with and without insect proof net were studied.
The vertical heterogeneity and differences in temperature and hygrometry were assessed.
In both compartments, a vertical gradient of temperature and humidity was observed.
Indeed, warmer and drier air was present above and below the canopy during the day, whereas it became colder and more humid in the evening.
Nevertheless, at a location close to the plant canopy, non-significant differences in temperature and humidity were found between both tunnels.
In addition, a dew temperature analysis was performed to highlight the periods of risk of condensation, which is an important factor that can increase the development of most fungal agents.
The risk of condensation appeared to be more important in the canopy and in the compartment with insect proof nets.
They allow the production of ornamental plants, fruits and vegetables with high added value.
In summer, it is often necessary to open the greenhouse during the day to promote ventilation and avoid excessive temperatures.
These conditions can however be favourable to the penetration and proliferation of insect pests inside the shelters.
In Mediterranean regions, where pest pressure is more important, insect proof nets are quite often used.
They allow to reduce the pressure of pests and represent an alternative and a complementary strategy to diminish phytosanitary treatments.
However, nets also limit ventilation and thus increase the confinement of crops, inducing an increase in temperature and hygrometry that can be responsible for physiological blockade of plants and enhanced fungal risks.
To evaluate the influences of these phenomena, two tunnels with and without insect proof net were studied.
The vertical heterogeneity and differences in temperature and hygrometry were assessed.
In both compartments, a vertical gradient of temperature and humidity was observed.
Indeed, warmer and drier air was present above and below the canopy during the day, whereas it became colder and more humid in the evening.
Nevertheless, at a location close to the plant canopy, non-significant differences in temperature and humidity were found between both tunnels.
In addition, a dew temperature analysis was performed to highlight the periods of risk of condensation, which is an important factor that can increase the development of most fungal agents.
The risk of condensation appeared to be more important in the canopy and in the compartment with insect proof nets.
Publication
Authors
R. Missaoui, P.E. Bournet, E. Chantoiseau, D. Vuillermet
Keywords
unheated greenhouses, temperature, hygrometry, insect proof nets, fungal agents, condensation
Groups involved
- Division Precision Horticulture and Engineering
- Division Greenhouse and Indoor Production Horticulture
- Working Group Nettings in Horticulture (subgroup of Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climates)
- Working Group Light in Horticulture
- Working Group Organic Greenhouse Horticulture
- Working Group Vegetable Grafting
- Working Group Modelling Plant Growth, Environmental Control, Greenhouse Environment
- Working Group Protected Cultivation, Nettings and Screens for Mild Climates
- Working Group Computational Fluid Dynamics in Agriculture
- Working Group Design and Automation in Integrated Indoor Production Systems
- Working Group Mechanization, Digitization, Sensing and Robotics
- Working Group Greenhouse Environment and Climate Control
- Division Landscape and Urban Horticulture
- Commission Agroecology and Organic Farming Systems
- Division Vegetables, Roots and Tubers
- Working Group Vertical Farming
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