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Evaluation of multi-row covers and support structure for cantaloupe and summer squash

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2015 ASABE Annual International Meeting  152182687.(doi:10.13031/aim.20152182687)
Authors:   H. Mark Hanna, Brandon L. Carlson, Brian L. Steward, Kurt A. Rosentrater
Keywords:   Cucurbit, disease, horticulture, insects, supports, tunnels.

Abstract. Covers excluding insects are an alternative to pesticide control on cantaloupe and squash. Tests evaluated support structure and two types of cover material (spunbond polypropylene and polyethylene mesh) during mid-summer field conditions.

Sagging cover material over time suggested limiting distance between single supports to 2 m or less. Tennis balls atop single supports avoided cover damage better than rebar caps. Spunbond polypropylene had more tears and damage than polyethylene mesh during use. Wire hoops centered over the row, spaced 2.3 m along the row avoided cover damage while keeping material off the crop.

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