Invasive insects and climate changes, Arrigoni answers with “green healthcare”

At Fruit Logistica the Italian Company presented innovative proposals with zero environmental impact.

 Arrigoni, a leading company in the design and production of protective screens and nettings for crops, focused its presence at this trade show on the agriculture of the future. A 100% sustainable and completely zero environmental impact way of producing, both for humans and for the environment.

The importance of the event was highlighted not only by the company stand set up during the trade show in Berlin, but also by the organization of a conference, held on February 7th in the "Tech Stage" space of the fair: "Invasive insects, climate change and new phytopathological threats: advanced agrotextiles for safe food and climate control". For the occasion, CEO Paolo Arrigoni and Milena Poledica, PhD agronomist and researcher of the Group have been present.

"The production of fruit and vegetables – explained Poledica – today is increasingly limited by pests, often pathogens vehicles. Damage caused by these vectors and plant viruses is economically significant and, if not contained in time, can also lead to total loss of the crop. According to a recent study conducted by the University of Paris-Sud / Cnrs / AgroParisTech and published in the journal Nature Communications, the minimum annual cost of damage caused by invasive insects in the world amounts to 69 billion euros.

On the other hand – continued Poledica – the control of pests usually involves an intensive use of pesticides, but this in turn affects both the environment and human health. Climate change, however, will contribute to global migration or the expansion of many species of insects. Hence the need to find innovative solutions that meet the needs of modern agriculture and protect the environment and human beings”.

In this context are included the high-tech applications of Arrigoni as Biorete Air Plus®, a full range of high-tenacity, dense and lightweight insect screen nettings, composed of polyethylene monofilament meshes. The white-transparent color ensures maximum brightness to the crops, while the different meshes of the nets allow the defense targeted by the different types of insect.

"Another problem of modern agriculture, and indeed one of the most difficult global challenges – also recalled Poledica – is represented by climate change.  According to the FAO 2018 report on the state of global agricultural markets ("The State of Agricultural commodities markets 2018"), climate change will increasingly disrupt agricultural systems and the food market in the coming years. Countries that are in the temperate climate zone will have benefits for agriculture due to the rise in temperature, but countries that are in low latitudes will see a deterioration in the performance of their agricultural systems. From this point of view, it is evident that agriculture needs to be increasingly supported by research and technology, to identify effective solutions that, at least, can help to stem the expected changes in the climate. This is why we developed solutions both to improve the diffused light inside greenhouses and to control the reflection of sunlight, and to guarantee adequate protection in case of rainy events ".

Arrigoni proposals that increase diffused light and, at the same time, control the sun-rays, are the Robuxta® and Prisma® range, whose advantages can be summarized in the following key concepts: high mechanical strength, long lasting, light management and temperature reduction; better plant development, higher yielding and crop quality. Thanks to white color and light diffusion additive plants receive diffused light, more photosynthetic active radiation and grow in more comfortable environment;

fresher environment and healthier plants, thanks to the choice of white color; less damage due to direct radiation thanks to the diffusion and reflection of infrared rays.

Protecta® instead offers protection from rain with greater ventilation. Combined with BIORETE® AIR PLUS it becomes a system that, in addition to reduce the passage of water up to 90%, acts as an effective shield against insects.                                                                                               

"Modern agriculture – commented Paolo Arrigoni, CEO of the Group – requires new approach taking into account the changes under way at global level. Our Company started precisely from this consideration to advance innovative and effective proposals. Our commitment, now, is to continue working on the theme of "zero impact" and high added value solutions, according to our green healthcare philosophy".

For more information, visit the new website http://www.arrigoni.it/