Frost-sensitive crops, especially bulbs and tubers, are now safe. Optimal leaf and product growth are unimpaired even in case of frost, because Arrigoni, international leader in the production of technical textiles for agriculture, has developed Arricover, the bioclimatic screen that provides effective protection against adverse weather conditions.

Onions, leeks and potatoes are vulnerable to low temperatures. Frost causes major damage to young stems and bulbs, and may jeopardise the growing cycle of tubers. Onions and leeks are especially at risk from spring frosts, excessively dry conditions, insufficient warmth and hail, which may slow down leaf growth and thus affect bulb production. For optimal bulb growth, production of these crops - like many others - therefore requires higher temperatures and optimal humidity levels.

Arrigoni’s ground-breaking Arricover, developed specifically to protect crops from the cold, is a strong, transparent, breathable textile that provides high quality, light weight, durability and effective protection on cabbage, turnip, salad leaves, carrot, leek, garlic, chicory, beetroot, parsley, strawberry, tomato, cucumber and melon. For potato growing, it can be used both to protect the crop against late frosts and to bring forward the production cycle.

Numerous field tests have proven its efficacy on a variety of crops. In particular, it has been tested on onion and leek in the Netherlands and on potato in Slovenia and Italy (Apulia region). The tests have revealed that this agrotextile’s transparency, combined with the breathability typical of knotted mesh fabrics, enables optimal gas exchange to create a dry, more frost-resistant habitat. Moreover, the barrier effect generated by Arricover holds the water on its surface and not on the crop, reducing frost damage.

In addition, its breathability allows the light to pass, creating the ideal conditions for photosynthesis. On the other hand, the fabric’s good permeability prevents the formation of condensate and damp, which would favour the development of fungal and other diseases. Last but not least, this bioclimatic screen also protects against wind and insects and birds, which could damage the crop.   

Easily installed, Arricover can be placed directly on the crop, on supports or tunnels, or to close the ends of greenhouses. In extreme weather conditions, it can be used on top of Arrigoni Agrivelo non-woven fabric for an even higher degree of protection.

The ARRIGONI Group has operated in the technical textile sector since 1936. It began manufacturing polyethylene net fabrics in 1959. It has over 50 years of experience in the protective screen sector. The group’s headquarters is at Uggiate Trevano (Como), just outside Milan and close to Linate and Malpensa airports. The Group’s three production units occupy a total area of 110,000 m2, 39,000 m2 of which is covered by buildings. It has a workforce of 160 and production capacity of more than 6000 tons of net fabrics per year. Arrigoni develops, produces and distributes innovative agrotextiles for more effective climate control and the production of healthier, safer food, and other outdoor textiles for technical and/or environmental uses. It is currently a European leader in technical textile applications for agriculture.