Southern SARE reported on a High Tunnel Pest Exclusion research project in Alabama. As part of the project, on-farm participatory research and demonstrations conducted at 22 farms across Alabama from 2017-2021 found that 50% shade cloth was effective at keeping 72% to 100% of macro-insect pests out of high tunnels.
The woven shade cloth is installed inside high tunnel side walls and remains in place when side walls are open, impeding insect entry. The shade cloth is used in conjunction with other IPM practices to achieve pest control in a high tunnel. Researchers point out that the exclusion also keeps out larger beneficial insects, including pollinators, but if they’re released inside the tunnel, the shade cloth helps keep them in place.
For more information
ATTRA sustainable agriculture
www.attra.ncat.org