VASCM: Alternatives to netting for birds

[William Kellerman]

Hello,
Having used the commercial netting that completely covers the canopy, I'm
drawn to the side curtain netting mentioned in a previous e-mail on the
subject. Sorry I deleted it and cannot give proper credit to the author.

Among the  advantages to side curtain netting is that it allows the canopy
to be open. This reduces hedging, lets in more light, and easily
accommodates late season sprays when necessary. I have witnessed the side
curtain netting at Lester Family Vineyards, managed by Prudy Foxx. It is
very effective. There is less material than in conventional netting that
covers the canopy. Birds access the fruit from the ground or below the
cordons. Side curtain netting prevents this and is secured below the cordons
by threading smooth popsicle sticks into the netting (Amazon.com). This
allow faster application and removal than twist ties etc. I do not recommend
letting the netting reach the ground. The first application has a bit of a
learning curve. My tractor platform for applying the old netting still
needed a bit of McGiver engineering. I'm guessing whatever is available for
tractor application with side curtain netting will also benefit from a
little customization.

Cheers.

William H. Kellerman
Winemaker
www.corralitosridgevineyards.com
(831)566-2881


-----Original Message-----
From: vascm-bounces at kkn.net [mailto:vascm-bounces at kkn.net] On Behalf Of Jeff
Griffin
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2013 9:54 AM
To: Debbie Lehmann; VASCM at kkn.net
Subject: Re: VASCM: Alternatives to netting for birds

Thanks Debbie for posting a great question and those who have added their 
knowledge.  At the risk of further filling your in boxes, now that we've 
established that netting alone works, we are wondering if there is someone
who 
has tried various nets and has found what nets are the easiest to install
and 
remove (using tractor) and perform adequately.  If so - source?

Jeff Griffin



________________________________
From: Debbie Lehmann <debbie.lehmann at gmail.com>
To: VASCM at kkn.net
Sent: Wed, May 22, 2013 1:02:41 PM
Subject: VASCM: Alternatives to netting for birds

Has anybody used something other than nets to control birds after veraison?
We are thinking about experimenting this year with one of those sound boxes
that puts out predatory bird calls, and maybe using reflective tape as
well. Does anybody have experience with these? Do they work at all?

Debbie

Portola Vineyards
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