It is commonly believed that the smaller the mesh size of a protective net, the greater its effectiveness in controlling pests. However, a recent study by scientists at the University of Tokyo, led by Professor Masami Shimoda, has shown the effect of the colour of the net itself on pest activity.
Typically, the colour range of agricultural protective nets is limited to black, white, blue and green. This was prompted by the results of a study in which rice seedlings were irradiated with red light, which had a repellent effect on the onion thrips pest (Thrips tabaci).
To confirm the hunch, the researchers made safety nets in three colour combinations – red-white, red-black and red with mesh sizes of 2.1 and 0.8 mm – and placed them alongside white and black-and-white nets with identical mesh sizes. All of them were hung over the leek crops.
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