Organic Production These results are based on non organic vegetable production. Growers can achieve even higher revenues since retractable roofs help farmers grow organic food easier by taking advantage of the benefits of both the natural outdoor and a controlled greenhouse environment. Important Facts about the Retractable Roof Production System for Vegetables and Fruit Home Financial Impact Organic Production Sustainability Propagation Videos Brochures & Articles Investment calculators Contact Us     Pictures below were taken in Los Mochis April 17, 2007 comparing Zeraim Gedera variety 61 beefsteak tomatoes grown outside (left) and in the retractable flat roof. Pests The first question most people ask about retractable roofs is “what about the insects?” Experience in conventional houses has taught growers that if “one insect comes into the house, then the insects will quickly multiply resulting in major crop loss. This is due to several factors present in a conventional greenhouse environment: This is due to several factorspresent in a conventional greenhouse environment    » The environment is very supportive of insect reproduction: higher temperatures, higher humidity, no wind, no infra red radiation    » Plants are softer and easier to eat than those grown outside. However, experience in retractable roof greenhouses has proven that insect pressures are easier to manage in retractable roofs. This is due to 4 key factors: 1. Insect net on the walls reduces insect pressures since insect tend to fly close to the ground 2. Retracting the roof in the morning when temperatures are optimal:    » Dries off the leaves.    » Exposes leaves to UV and infra red radiation which increases transpiration causing the plant to develop smaller leaves with thicker cuticles.    » Reduces the humidity level and temperature which helps reduce the reproduction cycle. 3. When radiation and temperatures are excessive, the roof is closed midday to reduce the transpiration. This helps prevent the plants from losing excessive water. Insect do not like plants that have thick wax cuticles and are full of water. 4. The roof coverings block a high amount of UV light. Many insects use the UV light for navigation so they are do not like an environment where their navigation is impaired. Disease Retractable roofs also aid in the reduction of foliar diseases. In addition to thicker cuticles on the leaves, retracting the roof exposes the plants infra red radiation and wind which helps dry off the leaves. Nutrition Fertilizer absorption is also improved since the higher transpiration rates when the roof is retracted facilitates the absorption and distribution of fertilizers. This is especially important for those growers who are using organic fertilizers.

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