Tomato and pepper, 7 proposals from Arrigoni to increase productivity

Depending on the needs, the company presents innovative solutions ranging from anti-insect screens to mulching fabrics and nettings to retain pollinators.

Tomato and sweet pepper are among the most important vegetable crops in the world, with production amounts constantly growing. Specifically, according to FAO data, in 2017, 182.301 million tons of tomatoes were grown all over the world, reaching a new record. In fact, production has increased by 35.76% in the last 10 years. On a global level, according to FAO data, the production of peppers is also positive and, to date, the cultivated area is close to 530,000 hectares, for a production of about 550,000 tons. Whether open field cultivations or in greenhouses, producers around the world are constantly looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of production, seeking for meeting the growing needs of the market and consumers.

Arrigoni, leading international player in the technical textile sector for agriculture, provides producers of tomatoes and peppers with 7 different solutions with aim to respond on all problems in production of these crops.

Biorete Air Plus® is a range of safe and eco-friendly anti-insect screens against insects, able to reduce pest access to plants and transmission of viral diseases. Available in differently hole size, they provide maximum protection against even smallest insects, such as aphids and thrips (Thripidae). Furthermore, the innovative ARLENE HT® monofilament with low thickness and high tenacity ensures high resistance and greater ventilation.

Prisma® is a range of white shading screens with special Light Diffusion additive that improves light conditions in protected aria, prevent sun burns and stimulate photosynthesis. Field tests confirmed that light spreads more uniformly around the plants, even in the lower parts of the canopy. White color to keep temperature down due to reflection part of sun light. Lower temperatures positively affect plant development, fruit firmness and content of polyphenolic compounds.  More pleasant temperatures and working conditions were confirmed even by operators.

Agritela® is then a polypropylene mulching fabric, stabilized against ultraviolet rays, breathable with high mechanical resistance (it also withstands the passage of small tractors). Actually, it is the answer for those who, having cultivated many times in the same land or environment and for different seasons, find problems of “tired soil”. Agritela® guarantees soil transpiration, weed control and easy cleaning of production surfaces for pots or bags with substrates.

Arricover® is a strong, transparent and breathable fabric that combines high quality, light weight, long life and effective protection against adverse environmental conditions. It allows applications on supports and is easy to lift and reposition when necessary (for summer storms, hail, dew and pollination). The agronomic results obtained on the peppers and tomato crops are very interesting: better plant growth after transplanting, protection against rain and hail, quick drying thanks to the typical transpiration of knitted fabrics and less fungal diseases.

Impollirete® retains pollinating insects inside the greenhouse. The process of pollination of tomatoes and peppers, in fact, usually takes place using insects such as bumblebees. To optimize their activity, Impollirete® keeps pollinators inside, simply closing the roof and the side openings of the greenhouses.

Iride Base® is a light mesh, made from high density polyethylene knitted monofilament, suitable for open field installations on supports and for installation on tunnels. It protects peppers and tomatoes from hail. In addition, it can protection against strong insolation thanks to the slight shading factor of 12%, support better plant growth, less damage from insects, stronger and healthier plants.

Rete Garofani & Solania® is a large mesh extruded net for plant support. Thanks to its robustness, applied on arches, it supports pepper plants and their fruits. In addition, the net improves plant development and distribution, prevents damages to the buds, facilitates harvesting operations and keeps plants stable in strong winds.

“Solanaceae – says Milena Poledica, agronomist and researcher of Arrigoni – belong to a family of plants highly sensitive to numerous diseases, parasites and pathogens transmitted by insects. Moreover, they are one of the most cultivated crops in the world too. A Company like ours, which is a global partner for agriculture professionals, has developed a range of solutions suitable for any type of environment and climate, to offer protection and guarantees to those who produce in a responsible and sustainable way, looking to the future”