Rain protection for pomaceous fruits

The big trade chains demand high level of requirements: Reducing the level of residues and outlines to the initial use proof a new challenge for the growers. Governmnet directives to reduce residues up to 50% by 2018 exist in France already.In view of this, European testing stations are running tests to incorporate covers in their tests. The ultimate aim is for a production free of residues and the total exclusion of fungicides. The government owned institute CTIFL in Bordeaux has shown great success– in the conventional production– for the last 4 years.

In addition to France, institutes in Belgium and Denmark are utilizing the VOEN covers for the prevention of scrab, rain spot and storage decay disease. Protection from rain and optimisation of the micro climate are starting points to meet the challenges set by the governments and the market. In Germany tests are also conducted in the organic production. Here in addition tests are made for the prevention of damage from insects such as codling moth.

These projects have only been running for a brief period of time, hence there can only be made a few comments in regard to plant health, yield situation and fruit quality.