Insect and climate screens for organic seedling production at Saliplant in Spain

MAY 2023

Semilleros Saliplant is a specialist producer of horticultural and subtropical seedlings, operating 20–25 hectares of greenhouse production across seven sites in the provinces of Granada and Malaga, Spain. Founded more than 36 years ago, the company has maintained a strong commitment to research, innovation, and consistent plant quality.

At its Puntalón site in Granada, Saliplant operates a 20,000 m² greenhouse dedicated to organic seedling production. This facility is the company’s most recent and technologically advanced greenhouse, designed to meet high standards for hygiene, pest exclusion, and climate control.

During a visit to the site, Francisco José López, production manager at Saliplant, shared his experience using Svensson’s Xsect Xtreme insect control screen and Harmony climate screen.

Addressing pest pressure in seedling production

According to Francisco, the primary challenge in the seedling greenhouse was insect ingress, particularly thrips, whiteflies, and tomato leaf miners. These pests are difficult to control in young plants and can compromise plant quality at a very early stage.

The decision to install Xsect Xtreme insect control screens was driven by the need to minimize pest entry as much as possible.

“Our main problem was insect entry into the seedbed. We were dealing with thrips, whiteflies, and tomato leaf miners, and controlling them was always difficult. We were advised to use Xsect Xtreme because it offered the highest level of protection.”

Compared to the previous netting, the new insect screens provided a much higher level of security. As this was Saliplant’s newest and most advanced greenhouse, additional protection and reliability were considered essential.

Improved ventilation and climate management

One of the immediate operational benefits was improved ventilation. Despite the higher level of insect exclusion, the screens allow the greenhouse to remain more open during windy conditions, without compromising crop security.

“With Svensson, we can ventilate more than before and still feel secure. That makes plant production easier and more stable.”

The installation of Harmony climate screens has also changed how light is managed in the greenhouse. Previously, whitewashing was used to reduce radiation levels, which resulted in permanent shading and limited light availability.

With climate screens, shading can be applied only when needed.

“We now avoid whitewashing the roof. We can take advantage of daylight and maximum light during summer, closing the screen only during the hours of highest radiation.”

This flexibility supports better plant morphology.

“It is important to take advantage of light. Too much shade causes plants to stretch as they search for light. With the screen, plants grow more compact and uniform.”

Cleaner plants and positive customer response

Since installing the insect control and climate screens, Saliplant has seen a clear reduction in pest presence within the greenhouse.

“There is no incidence of insects inside the plants. We deliver cleaner plants, which leads to satisfied customers and no complaints.”

For a commercial seedling producer, this level of consistency and hygiene directly supports customer trust and long-term relationships.

Confidence in daily production

Reflecting on the overall impact, Francisco emphasizes the peace of mind that the system provides.

“With Svensson, I have the peace of mind of being able to look at any plant and see that it is free of insects. That makes me very calm.”

He notes that Saliplant now actively recommends Svensson solutions to other growers, often showing visitors the installations and sharing their experience.

“I recommend Svensson because I see that the products work, and I want the best for other growers as well.”

A trusted technical partnership

In addition to the products themselves, Francisco highlights the support received from the Svensson team.

“The service has been excellent. Everything was clearly explained, the results are very good, and the relationship is strong. They are committed people who are always available when needed.”

Saliplant believes that its differentiation lies in service quality, plant health, and a highly dedicated technical team focused on delivering seedlings in optimal production condition.