What is a shade house?
A shade house refers to a structure that is enclosed by agricultural nets and other materials that will allow sunlight, air and moisture to pass through the gaps in the surface of the material. It helps in developing a natural micro environment which is conducive for the plants to grow in. they look similar to a greenhouse but the materials of construction are what differentiates the two. A shade house is generally constructed with shade cloth that protects plants from excessive heat and light. However, a greenhouse and polyhouse is constructed using glass or UV films that promote the intensity of the heat and humidity for the plants which require extremely hot climates to grown in.

Benefits of a shade house:
• Moderation of temperature, humidity, light and dryness
• Increase in yield and quality
• Reduction in crop cycle
• Lesser irrigation as moisture is preserved
• Possible cultivation of off-season crops
• Facilitates drying of yield
• Facilitates production of graft saplings
• Provides protection against pest invasions
• Facilitates the hardening of tissue culture plantlets
• Cost effective and saves resources

There are various types of shade and net houses that provide different advantages. The right type of shade house depends on factors such as the crops that are to be grown, local climatic conditions etc.

1. Site location: the shade house must be located in a place that is well connected with the local market for procuring the inputs as well as quick sale of the yield. The shade house will show maximum output if it is constructed away from industrial areas with high levels of pollution. There should be a free flow of electricity and a good water and drainage system must be in place.
2. Orientation: the orientation of the shade house is largely dependent on two factors- uniformity of light intensity in the shade house as well as the wind direction. Its best to install wind breakers about 30 meters away from the shade house. A single span structure can be constructed in a east-west or north-south direction however, a multi span structure should be constructed in a north-south direction only to ensure uniform light intensity.
3. Materials: A shade house has 2 main components- a frame and cladding material the frame of the shade house provides support for the cladding material to rest on and be protected against wind, rain and other natural calamities. The frame of the shade house is dependent on the size of the shade house and its structure is based on the appropriate design.

The frame is generally constructed using materials like bamboo, wood, angle iron or GI pipes. The cladding materials can be made of plastic nets with different PP threads providing different shade concentrations to the plants.

Each plant has a different requirement for sunlight and shade which can create the most conducive environment for their growth. To ensure that the plants get these optimum climatic conditions it is important to select the right concentration of shade factor.

What is a rainout shelters?
A rainout shelters refers to a structure that is designed to ensure that a certain area of land does not receive any precipitations through rain so that experimentally controlled drought stress can be induced in the protected area. This is done to understand the drought tolerance in plants. These shelters incorporate sensitive rain sensor that actives electric motors to move the shelters across the area using a chain drive to cover the crops incase of rain. A system of drip irrigation can be installed to water the plants and the water levels can be controlled with the automated system. Pesticides and additional nutrients can be distributed using the drip irrigation system as well.

Benefits of rainout shelters:
• Helps in studying the drought tolerance of plants
• Understanding how rainfall influences crops
• Relation between plant productivity and natural irrigation through rain

The rainout shelters provide a precise separation of the roots and the tree canopy from natural rainfall while maintain a natural flow of air, temperature and humidity. Below the soil level, the barriers to prevent the movement of moisture can extend for 1 meter and this prevents lateral movements. Naturally occurring rainfall can be measured and then replicated in a controlled format to understand the effects of drought on the plants and trees.
The rainout shelters are equipped with external environmental sensors that are directly linked to data loggers to measure wind speed, relative humidity, air temperature, soil temperature, soil moisture and light at different levels and throughout the location. Creating a sustainable link where the rain water that is run off from the shelter walls can be collected and stored in a tank which can be reused in the shelter as needed for irrigation of other purposes.
A set of rain sensors alert the automatically retractable roofs and curtains of the shelter that close as soon as rain is detected and ensure that little to no rain enters the structure.

There are 2 main designs of a rainout shelter:

1. Moveable shelter: the moveable shelter can be an automatic or manually operated structure where the shelter is closed during rains. The automatic system has a set of sensors that detect rain and signal the electric drive system to close the structure. In a manual system, the structure is closed by wither manually driving the roof or pushing it using human labor over the plot. The manual version can be incorporated in a small scale and is not feasible for multiple structures in the same location or for a larger study.
2. Static shelter: this refers to a structure of a greenhouse that can be rain-proofed as and when required. The main advantage of this is that during non-rainy seasons the greenhouse is well ventilated and the plants are in touch with the natural environment and climate. There are drip irrigation systems installed to ensure that the plants have enough moisture when the greenhouse is closed and converted in to a rain out shelter.

What is automation of irrigation system?
Automating an irrigation system refers to a process where a device is used to operate an irrigation structure so that the change in the flow, quantity, speed and force of water can be controlled even if the irrigator is not physically present at that particular point. Automation can be of different levels ranging from a simple start and stop mechanism to an advanced model where almost all aspects of the water flow can be remotely controlled.

Coconut farm irrigation:
A coconut tree needs an exact soil water density to grow smoothly where the soil is moist but not soggy. The coconut trees need to be properly watered at least every 24 hours in summer. This amounts to at least 50 liters of water for an adult tree per day. Coconut palm trees respond to summer irrigation. If properly irrigated the production of female flowers and settings can increase drastically. The whole process takes about 3 years to show considerable benefits from the spadix initiation to the ripening of the coconuts. The most commonly used and successful method of keeping the soil moist even after irrigation is by burying the coconut husk to create a natural retention system.

Drip irrigation automation for coconut farms:
Drip irrigation: this refers to a system where water and nutrients are directly given in a plants root at the right time and right amounts so that each plant gets the exact amount of water as and when it is needed for optimal growth. This is the most efficient way of irrigating a coconut farm as it prevents overflooding and soggy soil as well as reduces the chances of dry soil which will inevitably kill the plant roots.
Unlike the traditional systems of irrigations that are used in coconut farms such as flood irrigation and basin irrigation, whose efficiency is less than 50% while the overhead costs like expenditure on labor and electricity is extremely high. Scarcity of water resources also adds to a major disadvantage of traditional irrigation systems.

Benefits of drip irrigation:
• Drastically saves water as the resource is target exactly where it is needed, that is, plant roots, and there is minimum wastage of the same.
• Enhances plant growth and yield as the right amount of water and nutrients are readily provided to the coconut trees at all times.
• Saves energy and labor as the irrigation system is automated and does not require manual handling. Energy is conserved as the drip irrigation system is a more efficient way of watering plants.
• Reduces weed growth and improves efficient use of fertilizers. This is facilitated as there is no unwanted moisture in locations other than the roots of the plants and this reduces the growth of weed. With a decrease in the growth of weed, the labor required to pluck out the weed, which is an extremely manual process is also reduced.

For a coconut tree, generally three to four drippers are given for each tree. The cost of the drip irrigation system will largely depend on the size of the coconut farm, number of trees planted, number of drippers per tree and the pump for the irrigation system.

What is drip irrigation?
Drip irrigation refers to a system where water flows through a filter into drip pipes of various sizes with emitters located at different spacings. Water is evenly distributed through these emitters directly to the roots of the plants through a slow-release device. This system majorly helps in water conservation by reducing evaporation and deep drainage if properly installed and managed.
Compared to traditional irrigation systems or other automated modes of irrigation like overhead sprinklers or flood systems, the drip irrigation system provides a targeted release of the right quantity of water precisely to the plant roots.

Benefits of drip irrigation systems:
• Adaptable to any farming land and is suitable for almost all soils
• Reduces spread of diseases due to overflooding of irrigation water.
• Higher water efficiency and lower labour costs
• No need to level a field for drip irrigation. This system can irrigate an irregular shaped field as it is extremely flexible to design.
• Little to no loss of fertilizers and nutrients mixed with water
• Reduction of weed growth, leaching and pest invasion
• Can be used on all soil types and field capacity can be maintained with low soil erosion
• Extremely high control of water that ensures the uniform distribution of resources.
• Saves energy as the drip irrigation system is generally operated at a lower pressure than other irrigation systems

Commercial drip irrigation systems:
A commercial drip irrigation system is installed when the irrigation patterns for the specific plants are extremely technical and the farming is on an industrial scale. They are designed by experts and can be customised to suit the need of the shape and size of the plantations.
Most commercial drip irrigation systems have a filter to prevent clogging of the path of flow for the water. There are various technological developments in this field that have successfully attained a ‘No clogging’ method of transferring water. These filters are highly recommended as investing in a filter of good quality will save more than the maintenance and repairs cost spent each time post clogging.

Components of a drip irrigation systems:
• Pump units
• Emitters (drippers)
• Laterals
• Control head
• Main lines and distributary lines

Operating a drip irrigation systems:
A drip irrigation system is usually permanently installed and its instillation does not change based on seasons. However, the flow and amount of water that is emitted is altered based on various external factors. Due to this a drip irrigation system can be easily automated to suit the needs of each plant specifically. The process of automation will require technical knowledge and it is best to get in touch with a professional to understand the exact working of the system based on the needs of the plants cultivated.
Plants can be watered frequently based on the humidity and this provides am extremely conducive environment for the roots to grow and strengthen. Since a drip irrigation system wet only the roots of the plant, it saves 70% more water than other modes of irrigation. The wetting patterns depend on the soil type and this can be controlled, made conducive for the plants with the amount of dripping water.

Hydroponics is a relatively new technology that has been rapidly evolving since its introduction about 60+ years ago it was initially originated for academic research and to gain an understanding of the actual essentials of plant growth but has now evolved into a full-fledged industry that helps in the sustenance of the environment while provide a better quality of crops for consumption. Hydroponic farming gives higher output with lesser input of resources.
Its versatility ensures that the farming techniques and variety is appropriate for developing countries as well as high tech space stations. This type of farming can create food produce across the world from desserts to mountains and even in domestic spaces like rooftops of schools or homes. It provides locally produced crops like fresh greens and herbs in all spaces.
The hydroponic industry has a lot of scope for automation as can be seen in its own evolution. Currently it is partially automated but there is a high chance of increasing the technology efficiency and making it completely mechanical. This is in turn dependent on the development of the production systems that may or may not be as cost effective as the traditional farming methods. There is also a lot of possibility to reuse the existing resources within a hydroponic farm to reduce wastage and increase the efficiency. This can vividly be seen in cogeneration projects that utilize the heat from the industry plants but can be expanded in the coming years with a development in geothermal heating options.
The economic prospects for hydroponic agriculture may also advance with the improvement in government recognition. If the government bodies are determined to make a shift to hydroponic farming, then they can offer subsidiaries, tax rebuttals, monetary benefits and other backup options to farmers regionally to give them a minor push to take the leap into hydroponic farming.
In India, hydroponic farms are being set up across the country like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolhapur etc. The competition in the Indian market is not very fierce because the technology is fairly new and its awareness is limited. There is a high growth possibility in the Indian market for hydroponic farming as the population is at a constantly upward graph and the land available for cultivation is unfortunately constant.
The lack of technological awareness and development of hydroponics in India will also lead to a back-end development of the country’s technological feasibility. If hydroponics is adopted by the farmers, it will naturally call for a push in the development of the technology which is available. Adopting hydroponic farming will also increase the quality and quantity of the crop output and reduce the inputs and reuse the wastage. This will create a cascading effect which will demand for an overall development in the country’s output level in all fields.
Hydroponic farming overcomes the shortcomings of traditional farming and offers a more sustainable and healthy option. Many countries have already shifted to hydroponic farming as their primary mode of agriculture and its only a matter of time before India realizes its potential and makes a big shift towards the same.

Indian farmers are strong believers in the traditional farming methods using good soil, water and abundant sunlight. The faming trends are changing across the world and India is bound to follow these trends.
Scientifically speaking, plants need water, nutrients and sunlight to grow and complete the process of photosynthesis. Hence, technically the traditional farming methods might not be the only mode of growing crops. Hydroponic farming provides the plants with nutrients and water through the liquid mix and sunlight can be accessed either naturally or by using a lighting system that helps in providing the exact amount of light and heat that is needed to create a conducive environment for plant growth.
In India however, hydroponic farming is still an infant industry and a majority of the countries commercial agricultural industry is still using traditional modes. A few farmers in India, who are forward thinking are using innovative techniques like hydroponic faming to cultivate crops. But even these units grow only micro greens in the hydroponic facilities. It is a far away goal for the Indian agricultural system to adopt hydroponic farming in the mainstream crops of mass consumption like wheat and rice.

The rise of hydroponics in India:
While the hydroponic industry is still an infant where most farms are run as start-ups, there are large foreign firms which are already established in their home country that are entering the Indian market. This will improve the commercial acceptance of hydroponic faming and show a success of the methods adopted by it. India has about 40 actively functioning hydroponic farms. Southern India has the biggest share of hydroponic farms of various sizes, that are concentrated near metro cities due to low yields and their proximity to centers that demand for a logistic convenience.
The population of India is among the fastest growing number worldwide which causes an extremely high rate of the decreasing land availability. India’s problem of limited cultivation land can be reduced and even entirely overcome by the adoption of hydroponic farming. The adoption of hydroponic faming could lead to a new green revolution where the farmers and public of the county become more aware of the rising land and water crises and advance to a technology that overcomes these problems. This will also help in creating a cleaner environment that will boost the standard of living of the citizens.
There are various benefits of shifting to hydroponic farming as a country. It will reduce the pest and weed production which will in turn reduce the manual labor that goes in to the actual production process. Chemicals like artificial pesticides, weedicides and insecticides will also be used less which in turn will increase the quality of the crops produced for human consumption.
There various companies that support farmers to shifting to hydroponic farming from traditional farming. The goal of this shift is to empower farmers and reduce their dependency of natural factors like rain and soil density. This shift has been attracting more and more farmers to adopt hydroponic farming in India which is an extremely positive move for the country as a whole.

There are various advantages to hydroponics that can help solve problems without the use of excessive water or space and can produce fruits and vegetables of higher nutrient content and lesser growth periods than traditional farming. It is a highly evolving mode of farming and is set to become a primary mode of agriculture in the future. There are various types of hydroponic farms that involve the growth of plants without soil and by using a mixture of nutrients and water in which the roots are submerged. Hydroponic farming has proven to be extremely profitable and does not require extremely high initial investments as compared to traditional farming.
The type of hydroponic farm and greenhouse that can be set up is based on various external factors such as the cost and budget of the framer, the type of plant that is to be grown, the area available for the set-up of the hydroponic farm etc. These external factors will be the main driving force of hydroponic farming.

The 6 types of hydroponic farms:

1. Deep water culture:
   This is the simplest and easiest way for farmers to practice hydroponic farming. A deep-water culture consists of a reservoir filled with a mixture of water and the appropriate nutrients for that specific plant. The plants are suspended over this reservoir using a net pod and the roots are submerged in this reservoir. This gives the plants a constant source of water and adequate nutrients.
   To provide oxygen to the plant roots an air pump can be added in the tank or there can be a minor gap between the base of the plant and the reservoir. This will help to avoid the plant roots drowning. This system is the most inexpensive and low-cost mode of hydroponic farming as only the most basic components are needed for a successful farming. However, this method cannot be used for larger plants with a long growing period.
2. Wicking system:
   The wicking system is an extremely basic system of hydroponic farming where the plants are suspended in a growing medium. Below this is a reservoir of water and nutrient solution. The nutrients are transported to the plant using a wick, that is, a piece of felt or a rope. The wick transports the water and nutrients when they are ready to be absorbed by the roots.
   This works for small plants as there is no air pump or filtration system in place. It can be explored by beginners who are not extremely well versed in hydroponic farming. This system is considered to be a mode of ‘passive hydroponics’ as it does nor require any water pumps or filters.
3. Ebb and Flow:
   The ebb and flow system refers to a method of hydroponic farming where the roots of the plants are flooded with the nutrient solution and water mixture in a periodic cycle. This system does not expose the plant roots to moisture continuously and is hence preferred in certain situations. Since this is a recirculating system, the use of water and energy is extremely efficient.
   This is a less common practice as it may not suit all types of plants and is not as flexible as needed. The cycle and frequency of flooding is dependent on the type of plant, growth cycle for the specific plant, air temperature, water testing, evaporation rate etc.
   This system also requires an extremely high monitoring process to analyze the amount of nutrient absorption by the plant and maintenance of the nutrient and PH levels in the mixture. If the system is not monitored properly, it may oversaturate or dry out the plant roots. External environmental factors must also be constantly monitored.
4. Nutrient Film Technique:
   This refers to a type of hydroponic farming where plants are grown in a channel with net pots. The water and nutrient solution are mixed in a large reservoir containing an air filter and pump. However, the roots are not submerged in the mixture. The water pump pushes the water through the channel in periodic cycles.
   This provides a thin layer of water and nutrients to the roots which are not completely submerged. The excess mixture is reused at the end of the system. This is a low waste recirculating system that ensures the plant roots are not suffocated. However, the plant roots may grow beyond a certain limit and intertwine with each other along the channel.
5. Drip system:
   The drip system refers to a mode of hydroponic farming where the plants are suspended in net pots over a thin layer of water and nutrient solution mixture. This is similar to the NFT system as the plants are held in a different channel.
   A pump constantly moves the water across the channel to increase the nutrient absorption and the left-over solution flows back into the reservoir to be used again. The pH levels and nutrient levels have to be regularly checked as the entire solution may not be effectively recycled at all points.
   These systems offer high control over the schedule of feeding for the plant roots and can be inexpensive yet highly effective for commercial hydroponic farming.
6. Aeroponics:
   Aeroponic systems refers to the system where the plants and their roots are suspended in air. The reservoir has a misting system that sprays fine droplets of water and nutrients over the roots of the plants. The misting can be done non-stop or at a predetermined cycle.
   These misting cycles are shorter than the ebb and flow models as the water droplets provide a smaller amount of nutrients as compared to the flooding system.
   This method prevents oversaturation or droning of the plant roots and gives room for the roots to breathe naturally with a higher exposure to oxygen. This system is among the most high-tech methods of hydroponic farming and is generally much more expensive than the other methods. These systems are extremely easy to maintain and monitor, however, a failure in the misting pump may damage the plants extremely quickly.

These are the 6 main types of hydroponic farming techniques that can be adapted on various different scales of operations (domestic to commercial) that depend of the expertise and time commitment of the farmers. It is best to seek out professional guidance to understand which is the most suited type of hydroponic faming for the particular plant.

What Is hydroponic farming?
Hydroponic refers to a type of agriculture that involves the growth of plants without soil by using minerals and nutrients required by the plants induced externally. Plants can be grown with their roots submerged in the nutrient liquid and soil is substituted with water.

What do you need for hydroponic farming?

1. Fresh water: The water used for hydroponic farming should have a balanced ph. Most plants grow best with a water pH level of 6 to 6.5. The acidity of the water can be adjusted with external solutions that can be procured locally.
2. Root support: Without soil being present, the roots of the plants need something to hold on to. This ensures that the plant root growth is not haywire. Materials that are compact or those that do not retain any water should be avoided for this. The most commonly used root support materials are perlite, vermiculite, peat moss and coconut fiber.
3. Oxygen: In traditional farming, the roots of the plants get oxygen needed via pockets in the soil. This is essential for a healthy respiration of the roots. There are 2 main options available to ensure that the roots can breathe freely in hydroponics.
   • Leave space between the base of the plants and the water reservoir.
   • Oxygenate the container by adding an air stone or installing an air pump, similar to a fish tank.
4. Light: if the plants are grown indoor, a lighting system must be installed to ensure that the plants get sufficient light to grow freely. Each plant has a different requirement for the amount of light needed and the placement of the artificial lighting system may vary in each case.
5. Nutrients: This refers to the plant food that has to be included in the water which will feed the plant with various nutrients like magnesium, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients to stay healthy. Mixtures can be made at home or can be bought in a store.

Benefits of hydroponic farming
• No need of soil: Due to erosion, pollution and nutrient depletion half of the world’s top soil has been lost and the overall workable soil available is constantly reducing. There is also a big difference in the soil quality in different places which may not be suitable for the for the growth of all plants. With hydroponic farming, farmers can grow whatever crops they desire without any concern for soil degradation.
• Lesser labor: Without the need for tilling, weeding, herbicide and pesticide application, hydroponic farming offers a lighter load for laborer’s and can be successfully performed with lesser man power. This reduces the cost of production as compared to traditional farming and also reduces the time invested in the workspace.
• Conserves water: Growing plants in a hydroponic farm setting uses 98% lesser water that traditional farming. As food production is increasing globally, the water consumed for plant production is also hitting new peaks each year. Hydroponics reduces the water consumed for growing plants and this can drastically help in saving the water reserves present.
• Faster growth of crops: using traditional farming, most fruits and vegetables take several months to reach maturity when the can be harvested. Plants taking in nutrition from the soil can be a long and slow process. Hydroponic farming has shown a 30 to 50% faster growth in plants as the nutrients are much more easily and directly available for absorption. The whole cycle of plant growth can be streamlined for faster growth and higher yield by artificially controlling the light, heat, hydration, pests, nutrients and all other aspects that influence the growth process.
• Produces higher Yields: Artificially controlling and creating an environment that is perfect for the growth of a specific type of plant will ensure that the plants receive the exact kind of nutrients, light and environment they need to grow. The micro climates allow for a year-round growth and a faster crop cycle. All this facilitates a higher yield as compared to traditional farming. Studied show that hydroponic farming produces at least 200 times the yield compared to other farming techniques.
• Facilitates micro climates: Hydroponic farming creates a micro environment that is insulates from the various disadvantages of traditional farming. The plants are not attacked by pests or pesticides and can be grown on a year-round basis irrespective of the natural climatic conditions. With the availability of artificial lights and heat provided to the plants, a whole micro climate is created to ensure that the plants are grown in a conducive environment.
• Maximizes space: Hydroponic farming requires much less space for plant growth as compared to traditional farming. If hydroponics is combined with vertical farming it saves about 99% of the land required compared to traditional farming. Water and nutrients are readily available for the plants and hence the roots do not have to spread out extensively in search of the same. Since these nutrients are constantly available, the roots of each plant take up lesser space. This results in more plants grown in a smaller space.
• Seasonality and predictability: Seasonality is the main factor that influences the price, taste and freshness of fruits and vegetables. Farmers deal with unpredictable weather problems and natural calamities like floods, fires, droughts and pest infestations that may damage the entire crop production in traditional farming. However, in hydroponic farming the conditions of plant growth are externally controlled and the plants are shielded from most of the shortcomings of traditional farming. This means that the farmers can enter into long term contracts with fixed pricings as the quantity and quality of the output can be predicted beforehand.
• Reduces supply chain: Using hydroponic farming, lot of energy can be saved and cut out. Hydroponic greenhouses can be set up in neighborhoods where traditional farming can not be practiced. This will save the transportation costs and reduce the energy consumed by refrigerated trucks. Even the energy used and process of preservation of the fruits and vegetables will be saved and reduced. The simplification of the supply chain results in high quality of produce that is grown locally and then distributed to the immediate community for consumption.
• Higher quality of food: due to climatic and soil conditions it is very difficult for people to get fresh produce on a year-round basis. In hydroponic farming, the food is allowed to ripen on the plant and is harvested once it is fully ripe. The hydroponic gardens have their own microbiomes that help crops grow anywhere. Since the produce does not have to travel much it will not rotten before reaching the destination. It is proven that produce that is allowed to ripen on the plant has much more nutrient content than the produce that is plucked before and is ripened along the journey in the supply chain.

There are various advantages to hydroponics that can help solve problems without the use of excessive water or space and can produce fruits and vegetables of higher nutrient content and lesser growth periods than traditional farming. It is a highly evolving mode of farming and is set to become a primary mode of agriculture in the future.

What is a greenhouse insect screen?
A greenhouse insect screen is used to control the movement of insects inside the greenhouse. It is also known as an anti-fly netting system. The netting systems come in various sizes based on the size of insect that needs to be controlled. This helps the plants inside the greenhouse grow without any disturbance and helps in preventing any diseases that the insects may carry and transmit.
Pests and insects can cause immense damage to the plants within a greenhouse by sucking or feeding on the plants, depositing their babies’ eggs on crops and spreading disease. At times, these insects develop an immunity and resistance to the chemical pesticides that are used regularly resulting in the inefficiency of the same.

Benefits of using a greenhouse insect screen:
• Prevents insect invasion and helps in pest control
• Saves farm chemical expenses
• Cost effective and less time consuming that using pesticide
• Improves quality of plants produced
• Helps in light transmission, moderates shading and promotes ventilation
• Prevents hail, winds and Ultraviolet radiation

When should insect screens be installed?
The insect screens should be installed as early in the prime insect season as possible. This ensures that the plants are protected early on and reduces the chance of trapping unwanted insects within the greenhouse by accident that may lead to further breeding and extensively damage the plants.
Often, the insect screens are installed as soon as the crops sprout or even after transplanting. This way, the plants are protected during the growth stage and the netting can be removed later on, when the plants being to flower. This will ensure that pollination has a free flow and increases the chances of beneficial insects arriving before the harmful ones or pests.

Types of insect screens and their applications:

1. 17 Mesh: Helps in providing protection against fruit flies, fruit butterflies and grape moths. It is also hail and wind resistant.
2. 25 Mesh: Helps in providing protection against fruit flies. birds and bats inside the greenhouse. It also acts as a windbreaker.
3. 40 Mesh: These screens are generally used in the artificial cultivation of flowers and vegetables in a greenhouse. It provides high durability and flexibility that eases the process of production.
4. 50 Mesh: Helps in providing protection against leaf miner, tobacco white fly, thrips and aphids. It has extremely high flexibility and strong tucked selvedge’s
5. 75 Mesh: Helps in providing protection against all pests with an extremely high density. It also protects the plants inside the greenhouse from hail, wind, solar and Ultra Violet radiations.

Keeping beneficial insects inside the greenhouse:
Insect netting is extremely helpful in keeping any insects that benefit the growth of plants trapped within the greenhouse. Ladybugs and green lacewing larvae have shown to be helpful at controlling the infestations of soft bodied insects, but the adult version of these insects tend to fly away if the environment inside the greenhouse is not conducive to them.
Installing insect nets will help prevent the adult insects from flying away and ensure that they keep feeding and laying eggs as per the requirement.