We are visiting the Los Crespos nursery in Adra, Almería, a family-run business that produces pepper plants and poinsettias for the Christmas season. In this interview, they explain how Svensson’s Xsect Xtra and Xtreme nets have been essential in continuing the protection chain against Thrips and Whitefly.
We travelled to Adra to meet Jesús and Luis, brothers, managers and partners of the family business founded more than 30 years ago: Semilleros Los Crespos. Together with Svensson’s technical advisors, we interviewed the brothers and Santiago, the nursery’s Technical Engineer, to learn about the benefits they have seen since deciding to install the Xsect Xtra and Xsect Xtreme nets.
Santiago, as the nursery technician, how would you describe the impact of having Xsect nets installed in your facility?
We’ve seen that the anti-thrips nets act as a strong barrier against pests. Thrips and whitefly pressure in this area is usually very high, but we’ve noticed a clear reduction in both.
Thanks to the nets we use fewer chemical products. The plants leave the nursery healthier and cleaner, adding real value for our customers. For management and for technicians, that is a huge reassurance—almost an insurance policy.
Luis Crespos, Santiago Olivares and Jesus Crespos at Semilleros Los Crespos
Jesús and Luis, have you noticed Svensson products making a difference in customer satisfaction?
We haven’t had a single complaint from customers during this time, which is extremely positive. Many customers don’t even know the nets are installed—they simply want strong, clean plants. When they see the plants arrive cleaner than in previous years, they recognise it. It gives peace of mind to the grower and to us.
At first we were hesitant, because nets represent an investment for the company. But now they are clearly a benefit for our production cycles and for our customers.
When did you decide to install Svensson nets?
It was a very straightforward decision. When we started planning how to reduce pests in the coming campaigns, we spoke with Nelson Pérez, Svensson advisor. We asked colleagues about their experiences and they told us the nets worked well, so we decided to go ahead. We have no regrets. In fact, in the new 12,000 m² expansion we’re building, we will again use Svensson nets and screens.
Have chemical treatments decreased or stayed the same?
They have decreased significantly. Beyond reducing chemical inputs, the nets give us peace of mind. We have a lot at stake—not only for our business but also for the growers who depend on us. That added security is valuable.
Santiago, regarding whitewashing, what have you noticed in your crops?
We’ve found it isn’t necessary to whitewash. With the shading screen we are fully covered.
What would you say to technicians and growers who are considering installing these solutions in their greenhouses?
If all growers could take on the investment and install nets and screens, pest pressure across the region would decrease. If the population is reduced year after year, it eventually disappears. If pests can’t enter, reproduce or cause damage, they will eventually disappear.
Los Crespos nursery in Adra, Almería, is a family-run business that produces pepper plants and poinsettias for the Christmas season
You worked with grower Santiago Martín, who continued the Svensson protection chain in his greenhouse and achieved excellent results.
Yes. In fact, this morning he brought us new seeds for organic Palermo pepper and is choosing us again. He told me he has seen very positive results on his farm.
The key is that it works. You have to evaluate what is more worthwhile: having plants with pest or virus problems inside your greenhouse, or not—because that’s profitability per square metre.
It’s best for technicians to see it in the field and make decisions together with the grower. But I would recommend it to everyone. We are installing these solutions in all new facilities. It’s normal for people to be hesitant at first, especially growers with many greenhouses. I’d advise them to try it in at least one greenhouse—they’ll see the results for themselves.
