The main advantage of canopy netting is that is does more than merely deter birds, it excludes them.
These days canopy options abound - with a wide range in cost and purpose. Bird netting would come in at the lower end of the cost scale and provides other advantages including microclimate, plant response, management and economy.
- Microclimate - reduction of light levels, evaporation and wind speed.
- Plant response - effects on tree growth, yield, fruit set, size and colour. Improved fruit quality including less sunburn.
- Management - pest exclusion: avoid more offensive measures such as noise devices; shooting and trapping. Potential for organic production techniques. Pollination requirements must be considered.
- Economy - installation costs and repairs can generally be offset against higher returns such as greater quality and quantity in fruit sales, more reliable production, and more efficient management.
Protection from hail damage
Another important advantage of canopy netting is that it can provide some protection against hail damage—yes, even bird-netting!
This was proven at Robert Channon Wines in 2007 and again in December 2013, when furious hail-storms swept through the Stanthorpe area.
For information phone Netpro, see Tree Fruit January 2014
