Crop protection treatment costs halved using improved insect mesh at Monteplant

NOVEMBER 2022

At Semillero Monteplant, insect pressure from thrips was a persistent problem that damaged pepper crops and required extensive pesticide use. Grower Germán Sabio installed Xsect Xtreme insect control mesh from Svensson to address this issue.

Monteplant was founded in 1988 by Germán’s father, Antonio Sabio Puga. Starting with one hectare of land, the company has grown to five hectares using modern, sustainable production techniques. During peak season, the nursery employs around 120 workers, growing primarily peppers for markets in Almería and parts of Granada.

Thrips a serious issue

Before installing the mesh, thrips were a serious challenge. The first plantings of the season often suffered extensive damage, and traditional crop protection products provided limited control without harming the crop. When Germán learned about Svensson’s insect mesh range, he worked with a local sales representative to evaluate options using a wind tunnel and microscope. Based on those tests, he chose Xsect Xtreme for its high protective performance against a range of pests including thrips, aphids and tuta absoluta.

Since installing Xsect Xtreme on all ventilation bands, Monteplant has seen a significant reduction in pest pressure. “The issue with pests has dropped by about 80%,” Germán says. Use of crop protection products has also fallen substantially, with savings of around 50 % to 60 % since the mesh was introduced. In organic production, the reduction in pesticide use has been particularly notable due to the much lower incidence of pests. Germán also reports 80% to 90% fewer customer complaints about insect damage.

Will soon invest with Svensson again

Monteplant also adapted its installation technique to extend the life of both the mesh and the greenhouse windows by fixing the mesh outward at the window centre, preventing wear from window closures.

Germán values the close relationship with the Svensson team, noting that advice and support have been readily available. He plans to invest soon in updated Svensson shading screens to replace older ones that are about 20 years old, seeking improved clarity with less shading.