Articles
How can high tunnel coverings and an insect-proof barrier improve productivity and pest management in berry crops?
Article number
1428_13
Pages
101 – 108
Language
English
Abstract
High tunnels are commonly utilized in organic berry farming for a better climate control and insect exclusion.
Many growers in northern climates rely on these structures to extend the harvest season, reduce the incidence of plant diseases, and increase marketable yield and berry quality.
This study aimed to compare the effects of five different coverings with varying light transmission properties (ranging from 77 to 91% light transmission; diffuse light of 18 to 70%; UV transmission up to 50%; infrared transmission below 15% to thermal film, anti-fogging, anti-dripping) and the impact of an insect netting barrier (3.45 m in height; mesh size of 0.243×0.773 mm) on pest pressure (leafhoppers, thrips, aphids, and Drosophila suzukii), productivity and berry quality of container-grown raspberry (Rubus idaeus L. ‘Imara’) and blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Reka’, ‘Topshelf’ and ‘Liberty’) plants using an organic peat-based growing medium over two growing seasons.
The results of the study showed that the differences in spectral quality and temperatures measured under the various coverings were not significant enough to observe any significant differences in plant agronomic performance, including yield and fruit quality.
However, significant variations were observed in the abundance of major pests for both raspberry and blueberry crops.
Coverings with high photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmittance and low transmission of diffuse light, UV, and infrared radiation favored the populations of certain pests, such as aphids and leafhoppers, in raspberries.
On the other hand, the insect netting barrier significantly reduced aphid and spotted wing drosophila populations, demonstrating its potential as a promising pest control practice for organic producers.
By combining an optimized covering that improves agronomic parameters and minimizes pest populations with an insect netting barrier, a sustainable alternative is achievable to reduce the reliance on certified organic or synthetic pesticides in the production of berries, whether organic or conventional.
Many growers in northern climates rely on these structures to extend the harvest season, reduce the incidence of plant diseases, and increase marketable yield and berry quality.
This study aimed to compare the effects of five different coverings with varying light transmission properties (ranging from 77 to 91% light transmission; diffuse light of 18 to 70%; UV transmission up to 50%; infrared transmission below 15% to thermal film, anti-fogging, anti-dripping) and the impact of an insect netting barrier (3.45 m in height; mesh size of 0.243×0.773 mm) on pest pressure (leafhoppers, thrips, aphids, and Drosophila suzukii), productivity and berry quality of container-grown raspberry (Rubus idaeus L. ‘Imara’) and blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Reka’, ‘Topshelf’ and ‘Liberty’) plants using an organic peat-based growing medium over two growing seasons.
The results of the study showed that the differences in spectral quality and temperatures measured under the various coverings were not significant enough to observe any significant differences in plant agronomic performance, including yield and fruit quality.
However, significant variations were observed in the abundance of major pests for both raspberry and blueberry crops.
Coverings with high photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmittance and low transmission of diffuse light, UV, and infrared radiation favored the populations of certain pests, such as aphids and leafhoppers, in raspberries.
On the other hand, the insect netting barrier significantly reduced aphid and spotted wing drosophila populations, demonstrating its potential as a promising pest control practice for organic producers.
By combining an optimized covering that improves agronomic parameters and minimizes pest populations with an insect netting barrier, a sustainable alternative is achievable to reduce the reliance on certified organic or synthetic pesticides in the production of berries, whether organic or conventional.
Authors
A. Couture, L. Gaudreau, A. Van Sterthem, A. Gosselin, Y. Dubé, T.T.A. Nguyen, A. Brégard, M. Dorais
Keywords
high tunnel, covering materials, raspberries, blueberries, yield, pest control, insect exclusion, insect barrier
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