How Cristalplant protects one of Almería's largest seedbeds from insects

OCTOBER 2020

CristalPlant has successfully controlled insect plagues in its greenhouse seedbeds using Svensson’s Xsect insect exclusion screens. The CristalPlant Group is one of the largest seedling producers in the province of Almería, Spain, with more than 30 hectares of greenhouse production across 11 sites and a long history of supplying horticultural and ornamental seedlings internationally.

In May 2020, CristalPlant began working with Svensson after testing screens in two large ecological greenhouses. Since then, the collaboration has grown, with CristalPlant using Svensson’s products and consulting services to manage the high pest pressure common in Almería’s warm climate.

The production director noted that this region has very high infestation levels from insects such as thrips, whiteflies, and aphids. Standard anti-thrip screens often struggled to provide full protection, but Svensson’s Xsect screens have delivered real results.

CristalPlant chose Svensson’s Xsect Xtreme for extreme exclusion of the smallest insects such as thrips. They also installed Xsect Xtra in a poorly oriented greenhouse that required greater ventilation while still keeping pests out. Both screens use precisely woven, fine yarns to exclude pests without compromising airflow.

In the most challenging ecological areas, CristalPlant saw zero infestations and no virus problems throughout the season. The clean, healthy seedlings performed well in the field, according to customers. By combining Xsect exclusion screens with beneficial insect releases, CristalPlant reduced insecticide use by almost 90%, resulting in plants with fewer residues and better protection against pest-borne viruses.

CristalPlant plans to expand the use of Xsect screens, retrofitting additional greenhouse hectares so that a majority of its facilities are protected by the upcoming summer season.

One biodynamic grower working with CristalPlant reported that, after years of struggling with thrips and virus incidence in peppers, he did not see a single infected plant following the adoption of the new screens.