2.2. Net characteristics
In order to test the effect of shading nets (color and shading intensity), four different shading nets were used: the photoselective nets including ‘colored-ColorNets’ (red, blue and black) as well as ‘neutral-ColorNets’ (pearl) with shading intensity of 40%
and 50% relative shading. The photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was compared to the open field microclimate and production.
The color shade nets were obtained from Polysack Plastics Industries (Nir-Yitzhak, Israel) under the trade mark ChromatiNet.
These nets are unique in that they both spectrally modify, as well
as scatter the transmitted light.
The photo-selective net products are based on the incorporation of various chromatic additives, light dispersive and reflective elements into the netting materials during
manufacturing.
The shading nets were mounted on a structure about 2.0 m in height over the plants (screen house) or combined with greenhouse technologies.
Seedlings were transplanted on May 5 (plant density was 2.6 plants m−2), the shading
nets were subsequently installed above the crop on June 10 (35 days after transplanting) and the measurements were carried out until September 5.
All plants were irrigated using drip irrigation.
The tomatoes used in the study were harvested at the mature-pink stage.