As a company, NetPro have worked with our clients to provide a product that optimises crop production.
Our clients use protective canopies as a tool —as they would use irrigation or fertiliser.
Choosing the right structure and cloth is imperative to maximise the right outcome for your product.
How to select the right canopy
Location
All locations have different climatic conditions e.g. hail, sun, wind—all affecting final pack-out.
These generally dictate what size net should be used, which in turn dictates structure size.
Crop
Choosing the right net type and colour for your crop is essential. Colour is a crucial decision.
Variety
With apples in particular, different varieties require different shade levels.
For example, Granny Smith under white net can still get sunburnt in some areas, and red apples can have trouble colouring under some black nets.
Cloth properties
Take a 12 mm Quad for example (used mainly in hail areas on flat structures): black is approximately 30% shade; grey is 23% and white is 16%. So the right colour is critical.
Key reason to select net
The most important reason to put up a protective canopy is simply, fruit quality.
Your crop will reach the pack-house in A-grade condition as fruit will have almost nil sun and wind damage (the main reason for apples to be rejected or down-graded in quality).
Some clients report A-Grade pack-outs between 90% and 95%, depending on overall management.
So picking the right protective canopy—one that has been well thought out with the right products for you and your crop—is essential.
Other advantages of net
Another benefit offered by protective canopy is water savings.
Today, growers in many regions are required to pay for water— and from here on, the price for this commodity will only go up.
We are regularly told by our clients that they save between 20% and 30% on water—which is obviously very helpful to your bottom line.
In areas like Stanthorpe where orchardists only harvest water from the sky or can access bore water, conservation is essential—especially in the drier years.
Water savings achieved under the protective canopies can be critical for that end of season push for fruit size.
Netpro: market leader
Netpro is the market leader, with over 20 years in the protective canopy business.
We have covered everything from abalone in South Australia, and lychees in north Queensland; to kiwifruit in New Zealand.
When thinking about a protective canopy, think Netpro—we will help you every step of the way from Concept to Completion.
Phone 1300 NETPRO
See this article in the February 2013 Tree Fruit
