VASCM: Alternatives to netting for birds

[Paul Romero]

substitute chopsticks for the popsicle sticks.  Available in bulk at Ranch 99 or 
any good Asian market in the area for less than the pop-sticks.  They are faster 
and easier to insert and remove as well.

We actually do not do this on tractor anymore, as I've found it faster to do 
with a good three person crew.  They prefer the drape netting to side curtain 
for ease of install so that's what I use.  The nets are cut and stored by row 
number.  On install one person holds the net and the second walk it out and down 
the row.  The third person then moves down the row lifting it to the top.  Two 
then switch sides and complete the pull over while one remains as a counter 
balance.  When the entire row is netted they seal with the chopsticks and move 
to the next. 



________________________________
From: William Kellerman <beekay at corralitosridgevineyards.com>
To: Jeff Griffin <ja_griffin2001 at yahoo.com>; Debbie Lehmann 
<debbie.lehmann at gmail.com>; VASCM at kkn.net
Sent: Fri, May 24, 2013 10:37:34 AM
Subject: Re: VASCM: Alternatives to netting for birds

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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