Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
fruit-flies under open fields during rainy and post rainy season The farm-
ers are using several insecticides for several sprays to control these vec-
tors, even though they could not effectively control these vectors. Huge
amount of insecticidal spray increases the residual toxicity which can be
minimized by using insect proof net houses of 40 or 50 meshes covered
walk in tunnels. This technology can be used for raising crops like tomato,
chili, sweet pepper, etc., but for growing these crops under insect proof net
houses, it is prerequisite to raise virus free healthy seedlings of the crop
either in the greenhouse or by covering the nursery beds with insect proof
net (Singh et al., 2010; Singh, 2011). These structures can be fabricated
with a cost of Rs.350-400/m
2
having 40-50% shading net covering during
critical summer months (April-June) and with transparent plastic covering
during critical winter months (Dec-Feb) under arid and semiarid climatic
conditions. High value vegetables like tomato, cherry tomato (crop dura-
tion 7-8 months), two crops of parthenocarpic cucumber (summer and
post rainy season) and capsicum (crop duration 7-8 months) can be pro-
duced (Singh and Tomar, 2007).
7.5 OFF SEASON VEGETABLE CULTIVATION UNDER SHADE
NET HOUSES
Shade nets are perforated plastic materials used to cut down the solar ra-
diation and prevent scorching or wilting of leaves caused by marked tem-
perature increases within the leaf tissue from strong sunlight. These nets
are available in different shading intensities ranging from 25% to 75%.
Leafy vegetables and ornamental greens are recommended to be grown
under shade nets whose growth rates are significantly enhanced compared
to un-shaded plants when sunlight is strong. The basic objective of shade
net is to reduce radiation and temperature up to some extent during critical
summer months (May-Sept.). Black color shade nets are most efficient in
reduction of temperature compared to other colors like green, white or sil-
ver, etc. as the black color in the maximum absorbent of heat. Mostly leafy
vegetables like beet leaf and green coriander are preferred to be grown
under shade nets, but it is also suitable for growing early cauliflower and
radish cultivation during June to September months.
