PROTECTING YOUR ORCHARD WITH AN OVERHEAD CANOPY
With green kiwifruit requiring a minimal investment for the license, many orchards have opted to go for the traditional method of not covering or protecting their crop. This is fast changing due to the large investment now required to receive a license to grow gold (or soon to see red) kiwifruit and the need to get it in the ground and its canopy established as quickly as possible.
With an orchard overhead canopy solution, kiwifruit thrives in its early growth stage to achieve a lush canopy in a shorter amount of time due to a more controlled environment under the cover. An overhead canopy also provides a warmer climate for your orchard when experiencing the very low temperatures seen during extreme frosts.
When covering in the traditional white netting, 12-18% of shade is cast which still provides good conditions. However, with the new translucent net options now available, only 5-8% of shade is cast which gives even more reasons to cover their orchard.
The increase in severe weather seen over the last decade has brought on more frequent and extremely damaging hailstorms. Last year growers nationwide fell victim to hail causing spots, cracks and even bacterial infection on many fruits. The use of overhead canopy breaks the impact of hail and protects from major crop loss during these extreme weather events.
With more agricultural farmers now diversifying into horticulture, we are seeing orchards pop up in very wind prone locations. Because of this, Growtech has seen a major increase in the need for Artificial Wind Shelters to help reduce wind damage in these areas.
Kiwifruit is extremely wind prone and thrives much more in an optimal environment. A recent talk with an experienced grower found a 15% increase in pack out production after an overhead canopy was installed on an existing G3 Gold Kiwifruit orchard.
When you look closely at these numbers, you can see why so many growers are now choosing Growtech to help protect their orchards for the future. Contact Zane today to find out how you can grow better zane@growtechgroup.co.nz
