Many farmers and growers depend on irrigation pipes/drip tape to manage the feeding and watering of crops, but these lifelines are under attack from insects and rodents. So are the bulk plastic bags containing seeds and food.
Research from the University of Delaware shows that “when drip systems leak, crops can be negatively impacted, and soil insects can be a major cause of leaks on lighter-weight pipes. Crickets, especially mole crickets, will shred along the edges where the drip tape was folded, and white grubs cause similar damage. Wireworms will chew a round hole in drip tape, and some weevil larvae can also chew through drip tape. Larger ants will chew around emitters, and rodents such as voles can also gnaw through drip tape.”
Water efficiency remains an urgent priority as farmers and growers have to deal with irregular rainfall, depleted soil moisture, and tightening margins.
Michael Laurier, CEO at Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc, explains that their d2p anti-insect and anti-rodent plastic technologies can be added to the pipes and tapes at low cost during their manufacture. “This will ensure efficient water delivery, without the need for chemical spraying or expensive repairs. They can also be used to give protection to bulk storage bags. Rather than killing insects and rodents, the technology drives them away.”
“With agriculture already under historic strain from drought and extreme seasonality, any loss of water becomes a direct threat to crop performance that farmers and growers cannot afford. Preventing even small leaks can make the difference between fully irrigated crops and water stress at critical stages of growth. Preventing damage to seeds and food in bulk storage can make the difference between profit and loss.”
Laurier concludes, “The solutions exist, they’re proven, and they’re ready today; what’s needed now is rapid industry uptake.”