Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/590163
16 NOVEMBER 2015 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com spacing of posts, suppliers of materials, the skills of installers, and other factors. WSU researchers estimate costs of $9,000 to $12,000 per acre; one South African contractor claims he's found ways to lower the cost to $5,000 an acre. Netting is made from a durable poly- propylene, with a specialized polymer and pigment stabilizer so colors don't fade. Benefits from netting include reduced sunburn, eliminated hail risk, reduced bird damage, reduced wind, and other benefits to be identified in the proj- ect. For a high-value cultivar such as Honeycrisp, the netting could pay for itself just from saving an orchard from one episode of hail damage, Kalcsits says. The red, blue, and pearl netting all reduce light by 22 percent. But each cre- ates different spectrums that researchers are analyzing. Based on tree-fruit studies done in Israel, Italy, Chile, and Australia, scientists know red tends to promote fruit color. Blue reduces vegetative growth. Pearl improves the distribution of light. Some studies have also looked at how netting affects insects. Further studies are needed to more closely determine the economics of different cost scenarios. Kalcsits and his team acknowledge that netting systems pose challenges beyond cost. Nets need to be retracted and rolled up each year during the winter to extend the life of the fabric. Excessive shading can dampen a tree's productivity—although that is not con- sidered a significant risk in Washington State's intense light. Kalcsits is confident netting is the future. "Any of the growers I've talked to that are using it are happy with the results," he says. "Some are reluctant to get rid of overhead cooling yet, but they are encouraged by the result." • "Any of the growers I've talked to that are using it are happy with the results." —Lee Kalcsits TJ MULLINAX/GOOD FRUIT GROWER Red and blue netting are suspended above Honeycrisp apples near Quincy, Washington. "Irrigation Specialists has been working with Goose Ridge Vineyards from the beginning by providing engineering and planning solutions to meet our irrigation needs. They've implemented the latest technology and reliable equipment to best handle our speci c irrigation requirements. We have a dependable relationship that a ords us quick and knowledgeable response to questions and problem solving. Irrigation Specialists have been a valuable resource as we grow and maintain our complex irrigation system." Robert Rivera Vineyard Manager Goose Ridge Vineyards • Engineering & Planning • Technology Savvy • Precision Implementation • Dependable Products • Reliable Service 815 Wallace Way 2410 N. 4th Ave. 1155 S. Broadway 81156 Hwy 395 North Grandview, WA Pasco, WA Othello, WA Hermiston, OR 509-882-2060 509-547-1761 509-488-5623 541-567-6370 800-959-1535 800-595-1536