Managing the spread of viruses (e.g., New Delhi Virus on zucchini) is one of the main difficulties producers face during a cycle, as an excess of infected plants could seriously compromise results.
Zucchini grown in a protected environment.
As is well-known, the transmission of viruses in a crop occurs mainly via vector insects (Bemisia tabaci and others) who infect plants as they move between them.
Agriplast, a company that produces plastic films, carried out in-depth studies and developed a double-cover film capable of 'turning off the light' for insects, thus considerably reducing their movement. The insects that transmit viruses orientate themselves via specific light frequencies, in the absence of which they completely lose their sight and find it very difficult to move.
The Virolux film by Agriplast is visible in the bottom part of the photo.
Based on this characteristic, Agriplast has created Virolux, a photo-selective film that blocks light radiation in the frequencies useful for insect orientation without blocking the light plants need to grow.
Machinery for the production of plastic films.
After various film tests, Virolux has proved effective in preventing the spreading of viruses, almost zeroing their incidence.
In addition, Virolux boasts a very low thickness and exceptional transparency that enable sunrays to get through, as well as perfect thermal insulation.
Agriplast SPA facility in Vittoria,Sicily.
The anti-virus effect can also be achieved with greenhouse films; however, it must be stressed that this treatment, in addition to disturbing vector insects, may also affect the activity of pollinators, so the double-cover solution is more practical as it can be easily assembled and unassembled as needed.
For more information:
Agriplast S.p.A.
Via Filippo Bonetta 35
97109 - Vittoria (RG) - Italy
Tel.: +39 0932 997211
enrico.garrasi@agriplast.com
https://www.agriplast.com