Suzuki netting and rain protection systems
![Suzuki netting and rain protection systems](https://www.fruitsecurityholland.com/userdata/lijsten/13/634-regenkappen-en-suzukinetten-G.jpg?v=IjnT2EIBbh)
I frequently get the question: which insect netting or suzuki netting should I choose. This is an important question, especially now that Tracer and Exirel are hard to come by.
According to this research paper, to completely stop the Suzuki fly, the insect net must be smaller than 1mm. So this mesh size is the go-to if you want to stop the Suzuki fly.
Climate
Not every rain cover is designed to close completely. When a rain cover is closed, and can no longer ventilate, fungal pressure is higher. Often because of this, we see that by fighting one problem, the next problem is created.
Take, for example, the roll cover:
A roll cover has somewhat poor ventilation. So the roll cover needs to be helped with ventilation. Does the insect mesh have too small a mesh? Then you get too high a temperature and humidity.
Another example is the PowerFlex system:
The PowerFlex system ventilates well. (Read more here) For the PowerFlex system, we recommend a mesh size of 40 mesh (0.33mm x 0.77mm). This is one of the smallest mesh sizes on the market.
There are even some canopies where we do not recommend insect mesh at all.
An optimal climate is important under a canopy. It makes or breaks the crop. Much research on the Suzuki fly, aphid or fungus.
All those studies are often examined under 1 or 2 systems. I believe that the advice of the research is also only valid under those systems.
Controlling the Suzuki fly does not start with insect netting, but with choosing the right rain cover.
Are there tested rain protection systems?
PC fruit has tested a few rain caps over the past few years. This test is very valuable for any pome- and stonefruit grower to read. Click here to read the PowerFlex system section, or request the entire study from PC-Fruit!
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