One of the trends amongst Leamington growers are diffused greenhouse covers. For many years, Patilux Clear is one of the most popular greenhouse films amongst Leamington growers, but Pezzon explained that, even if clear plastic is still the most used, more growers are looking at Diffused films."
"Mainly pepper growers are asking for our Patilux Diffused films", said Pezzon. "The peppers are the most sensitive crop in terms of sun radiation. But also growers of other crops are aware of the advantages of diffuse light in the summer."
Changing the greenhouse plastic: what are the current trends?
Extending growing season
But more and more Leamington growers want to extend their growing season and will need the light during darker months. "For them we have developed a special diffuse film as well; one that is diffusing but still has a very high light transmission, so that the growers still have enough light available. More than 40% of the light passing through the film is diffused and more light is spread equally and deeper in the crop. This permits high performances even on cloudy days or at times when the sun is low over the horizon."According to Pezzon, diffused films are especially requested when the growers experienced a winter that was not too cloudy. "When the growers experienced a rainy, cloudy winter, the growers tend to install more clear films. In North America, the choice of plastic for the next 4-5 years all depends on how the winter was, as they replace the film in the spring. That is why you will always see a shift between clear and diffused films every three to four years, depending on the conditions during the winter in advance to replacing."
Energy Rebate with IR Films
An interesting situation in North America are the rebates that are available for growers who install thermal IR films. Pezzon explained that growers in Ontario and Michigan are installing IR films in order to save on their energy bills. "IR films have good thermal capacities of heat retention and will result in energy efficiency and savings. Especially in the colder areas, the winter temperature can get as low as -20 degrees Celsius. The local municipalities or gas companies made rebates available to growers who install energy saving greenhouse covers."Patilux North America
Pati is an Italian manufacturer of greenhouse covers. After shipping to Leamington for more than 20 years, the company has recently opened a branch in Leamington, Ontario. They now have a large amount of materials in stock to supply their largest market. Local distributors and representatives are available to help growers with picking the right films. At their website www.patilux.com more information can be found on all of their films"For more information:
P.A.T.I. S.p.A.
Luigi Pezzon
export@pati.it
www.patilux.com
www.pati-films.com