Eighteen months after Gebr. Nederpel in Wateringen, the Netherlands, installed insect screens, René de Bakker is already seeing clear results. "We can now really see the difference between the location with and without insect screens," he says with satisfaction. "Thrips are no longer a major invasion, and we haven't seen any whitefly which are normally a major problem with poinsettias, this year."
© Mirthe Walpot | FloralDaily.comRené de Bakker
In 2024, the potted chrysanthemum and poinsettia grower had the SchermNed insect screen filter installed at one of its three locations. At the time, René was primarily curious about the effect on the greenhouse climate. "The climate in the greenhouse is exactly what I had hoped for," he said at the time. He is now also convinced of the pest control: "We are really happy with the insect screen. It keeps a lot of things out, without making the greenhouse too warm."
Preventing major invasions
Although not everything stays completely outside, René says the pest pressure has been significantly reduced. "Some things still get in, but mainly through doors that open and close. We can effectively combat the large influx of flies with the mesh, especially when combined with biological control."
© Mirthe Walpot | FloralDaily.com
At the time, the grower deliberately chose the SchermNed insect screen filter because of its ventilation capacity. "We didn't want to compromise on ventilation. This system maintains good air movement, which we can also see in the climate computer," he explained earlier. The dehumidification systems that Gebr. Nederpel installed last year also help maintain a stable climate.
A more stable growing season
While last summer was mainly wet and dark, the effect of the netting is now more visible due to the changing weather conditions. "With the fly-in, we can really see the differences between the locations. The greenhouse with the netting stays cleaner," says René.
He's now considering eventually installing insect screens at other locations as well. "We want to proceed step by step, but it's clear this is working."
For more information:
SchermNed B.V.
+31 (0)174 62 22 14
[email protected]
www.schermned.nl
