“There is a worldwide rising demand for tree protection”, says Juan Antonio García of Armando Alvarez. “In fruit trees, plastic has much better yield return than glass or horticultural nets, due to the versatility in helping the crop development and the relatively small investment”
“The protection of fruit trees under plastic covers has established itself as an essential tool in the search for the early return on investment in some fruit species like grape, cherry, banana and as a valuable alternative for the viability of other species like kiwi, mango, peach, papaya, and Japanese medlar.
Armando Alvarez is a supplier of plastics for fruit trees protection for more than 20 years. Their main markets are Spain, Italy, Chile, Peru, and see new markets in India and the US. “Depending on the species of fruit and the latitude in which the growers are located, we will find different challenges to overcome, although, in general, the high temperatures in the summer and the need for cold hours in the winter will be the factors that determine the design of the structure.”
Designed to switch
Unlike greenhouse covers, growers of fruit trees under structures need to manage the plastic, on/off the structure, throughout the entire crop cycle to adapt to the conditions during periods of heat and cold. As a consequence, the structure must be prepared for this handling, and the plastic too. There is a special mechanical resistance needed to support extreme handling but also maintain the optical properties required throughout its use. We ensure that with lateral and central reinforcements.”
Advantages
Just like traditional horticultural plastics, the advantages of fruit tree protection are better fruit quality, increasing productivity, extension of the crop cycle, physical protection against rain, hail, wind and frost with reduction of crop losses.
For more information:
Armando Alvarez Group
+ 34 950 405 600
sales@armandoalvarez.com
www.armandoalvarez.com