|
Dupont AG-06 UV Pointbonded Polyester is a general use, lightweight floating row cover. It is made of
white, ultraviolet (UV) resistant spunbonded polyester that transmits approximately 70% light, which is adequate for crop growth. Because it is very lightweight (0.6 oz/ sq yd or 20 g/sq m) it is most often used as a
floating row cover; that is, it gently floats on top of the crops as they emerge and grow. It is soft and non-abrasive and will not damage crops. Supporting hoops are
generally not needed. Although Dupont AG-06 is light in weight, it is durable enough for multiple uses in one season or for several years when handled with care.
There are many features of AG-06 that contibute to improved crop production:
- Season extension in spring and fall.
- Increased air temperature of 3 to 4°F at night. The day-time increase depends on light and ambient temperature, but at least an increase in 10F may be expected. Although there is some frost protection, the primary benefit is a temperature increase over a period of 3 to 4 weeks when the crop is covered.
- Water from rain readily passes through the cover.
- The cover protects crops from the entrance of airborne insects when the edges of the cover are buried.
- Hoops are needed only for a few crops, such as summer squash and pepper and tomatoes. (Under extremely windy conditions, hoops are needed to prevent damage to young plants of all crops.)
- Minimum labor required for installation and removal.
Product Description: AG-06 is available in 67"x 250', 67" x 2550', and 148" x 300' rolls. Only the edge of the material has to be secured; therefore, the larger sizes are more economical to install.
Installation Tips
- Apply when there is minimum wind.
- Use wider covers for greater application efficiency.
- Do not try to stretch the cover. Allow it to drape over the crop.
- Secure the edges with soil, stones, sandbags, etc. To keep out insects cover the edges with a continuous furrow of soil.
- Handle with care to prevent tearing.
Crops that are suited for AG-06
- Vegetables -- all direct seeded crops and transplanted vine crops. Do not cover transplanted pepper and tomatoes unless hoops are used to prevent damage during windy conditions.
- Small fruits -- cover strawberries in late fall or early spring.
- Cut flowers -- Hoops might be required where wind is a problem.
Timing of planting, covering, and cover removal
Generally, crops may be planted about 10 days earlier than normal when covers are applied at planting. The covers will remain on warm season crops for about 3 weeks until pollination is needed or until the crop out-grows the space under the cover. For many direct seeded crops, leave the cover on until harvest.
References for further information:
- Wells, Otho S. 1996. Row cover and high tunnel growing systems in the United States. HortTechnology 6(3):172-176.
- Plastics website: http://www.plasticulture.org
|
|
Home
Agricultural Plastics
Planters Paper
SRM Silver
SRM Black
SRM Red
SRM White
SRM Olive
Floating Covers
Custom Covers
Low Tunnels
Agritape
Agritape Heaters
Precise Heat Mats
Seed Tray Heaters
Control Units
Home Gardener
Greenhouse Supplies
High Tunnel Vent
Inflation Equipment
Eskay Lite Vinyl
Batten Tape
Convection Tubing
Email
|
AG-06
