06/26/2026
In my home I’ve used red plastic (unfortunately) mulch laid on the ground when growing tomatoes and peppers because it increases yield, spun-bonded polyester ro w covers to protect plants like Swiss chard from damage from a leaf minor and bird net to protect our blueberries, but I’ve never seen this approach before. I wonder if anyone in the US sells this red netting.
New research from Japan is offering an interesting look at how color can support more sustainable farming.
Traditional black or white agricultural netting often depends on very small mesh to physically block insects. While effective, that can reduce airflow in greenhouses, raise working temperatures, limit light, and increase humidity.
A joint study by the Kyoto Prefectural Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Center and the University of Tokyo, published in Scientific Reports, found that red agricultural nets can help reduce insecticide applications by 25% to 50% in tests involving onion thrips, Thrips tabaci. This pest is known for damaging crops such as Kujo leeks and for developing resistance to chemical controls.
The research points to an “optical pest control” effect. Many insects do not see red the way humans do because they lack red photoreceptors. Researchers found that longer wavelengths reflected by red fibers may still affect other visual receptors in the insects’ eyes, creating a deterrent that helps keep them away.
Because the red nets work partly through insect vision rather than only physical exclusion, they can use larger mesh than black or white nets and still perform well. That means better airflow, more sunlight, lower humidity, and improved conditions for farmers working inside greenhouses.
For growers, including communities focused on local food systems and conservation-minded agriculture, tools like this may offer another option for reducing chemical use while protecting crops. It also shows how careful observation of insect behavior can lead to practical changes in farming materials.
What other low-impact farming methods have you seen used to protect crops while supporting healthier growing conditions?
