An array of shade netting is available to protect crops against the weather and pests. New technology means nets can also protect crops against insects such as thrips and induce earlier cropping. Shade nets are widely used to protect crops against solar radiation, frost, wind and pests, particularly birds. Coloured shade nets specifically filter sunlight, the colour of the film determining if more blue, green, red, far-red or infra-red light is absorbed through the net which consequently has a specific effect on plant growth. Nets can also diffuse the light bringing a more even spread of light under the net. More recently nets with specific optical properties can prohibit insects, such as thrips which are small enough to penetrate a normal net, from entering the greenhouse.
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