A particular plastic for a particular crop. That's the idea behind the 5 layers technology of Egyptian film manufacturer Al Quds. For several years, they've been cooperating with the Lancaster University to manipulate the light naturally through the plastic for different crops. "Each and every crop is different and that is vital to bear in mind when choosing your crop cover. Together with the growers, we'll try to create a crop cover that is unique to their crop", says Ibrahim Shabaan, Executive Manager at the company.
Ashraf Alma, Ibrahim Shabaan and Dr. Wagdy Sobeih at the IFTEX 2019 in Nairobi.
Al Quds 5 Layers Technology
Al Quds introduced their 5 Layers Technology in 2018. It is said to be the latest technology in the film industry. But what is it? "It is cutting-edge technology as we can build in the required film characteristics layer upon layer within a film. For example, we may need to diffuse light or add thermic or anti-fog properties to a film in order to meet the needs of a particular crop in a particular environment. Therefore our 5 layers extruding technology allows us to manufacture with effecting properties by using the very latest manufacturing technologies and taking advantages of our unique ability to utilize all 5 layers of the film. With 5 Layers Technology wide widths line we only ever source the highest quality raw materials coupled with industry leading quality control, means that we manufacture amazing tough films with the highest possible mechanical strength and durability."
On top of that, Shabaan stresses the importance of the long lifetime of the plastic with the same efficiency. "We believe that combining commercial experiences with cutting edge knowledge developed in partnership with some of the world’s foremost crop and horticultural scientists we can make it possible. Therefore, at Al Quds for Plastic we don’t believe that your crop cover should be just like everyone else but it should be designed as the right cover for you and set about designing all the features/properties of the film that make the cover your own based on your location and unique growing system for your crop."
Lancaster University
In cooperation with the Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, they are focusing on getting the right light environment for a particular crop. "We try to filtrate the light through the plastic for all different kind of crops. In order to create this suitable environment for all kind of plants inside the greenhouse, the 5-layers plastic film allows the use of all kind of required additives to the same film." Their recommendation to a growers' crop cover needs is built on various R&D trials of different species at their partner Arid Agritec - Lancaster University field station.
Results in tomato, cucumber and pepper
At Al-Quds side by side with Arid Agritec-Lancaster University UK they have been working with forward-thinking tomato growers around the world to better understand how light can be exploited to produce a better crop.
Let's talk about the tomato crop: "We've been fascinated by tomato for years, it’s truly a marvelous crop for us to work with because so much is possible when you understand how different types of light can be used to genuinely improve yields and quality. To achieve this, it has taken a combined effort of some of the worlds most respected plant scientists and tomato growers across four continents, also with growing cucumber crops for R&D and in commercial farms, and if it's peppers, you're growing then let us talk to you about designing your very own covers that will ensure a truly amazing crop."
According to Ibrahim, it’s time to write a new chapter in the way a grower is growing their vegetable crops. "We have tested hundreds of crop cover designs until we had just the right combination of properties to deliver the perfect light environment for this remarkable fruit."
Tomato results:
- Increase yields up to 15%.
- Early fruit maturity.
- Reduced internode length.
- Early fruit colouration (7-10 days)
- Improved root development.
- Wonderful tasting fruit.
- Better shelf life due to firmer fruit.
Cucumber results:
- Increase yield across the full season up to 23%.
- Increase average fruit weight.
- Increase fruit numbers per plant.
- Improve fruit uniformity.
- Regulate fruit shape index.
Peppers results:
- Higher number of fresh fruit (15%).
- Higher average fruit weight (40-50g/fruit).
- Higher fresh yield (19%, 1.9kg/m2).
- More uniformal fruit shape index.
- Thicker fruit wall.
- Optimum shelf-life.
For more information
Al Quds For Plastic
Ibrahim Shabaan
Email: ibrahim@alqudsplastic.com
www.alqudsplastic.com