In a region with temperatures up to 50°C, Xsect Balance reduces the temperature and improves working conditions
Frutos de Jalisco, with more than 22 years of experience in the industry, was looking for a solution to face the high temperatures and the presence of pests in their greenhouses. They decided to test Xsect Balance insect control nets in three of their greenhouses, obtaining results that exceeded their expectations.
Frutos de Jalisco tackles the challenges of high temperatures with Xsect
With 12 hectares of greenhouses, Frutos de Jalisco is a company that has become a leader in the tomato production industry, thanks to its ability to overcome the region's climate conditions, characterized by warm and humid weather.
Since its foundation, the company has operated saw-tooth greenhouses, passive structures that generate high temperatures and present significant challenges inside. They have tested over 500 tomato varieties, selecting only three that have adapted best to local conditions.
In the effort to produce more kilos per square meter, over the years Frutos de Jalisco has incorporated technologies such as hydroponics and bumblebees. However, the extreme climate of the region, with temperatures reaching up to 50°C in summer inside the greenhouses, led them to seek a solution to meet this challenge.
During a recent visit to their facilities, we spoke with Juan Pablo Palacios, Grower at Frutos de Jalisco, who shared the progress achieved with Xsect Balance insect control nets. Héctor Parra, Climate Consultant at Svensson, also participated in the visit, who has provided guidance on this project.
Xsect Balance improves temperature, reduces pests entry and optimizes ventilation
One of the main benefits highlighted by Juan Pablo since the installation of Xsect Balance in three greenhouses at Frutos de Jalisco is the reduction of up to 2°C in temperature inside—a key change that has improved working conditions for people who spend up to five hours inside the greenhouse. This temperature decrease has created a safer and more comfortable environment for workers, significantly reducing the risk of heatstroke. Additionally, it also contributes to the well-being of bumblebees, which are essential for pollination.
"Those two degrees make a difference, especially for our people," commented Juan Pablo.
In addition, the implementation of Xsect Balance has significantly reduced the presence of pests such as whitefly and thrips. This has reduced the use of pesticides by 60%. Previously, during a 40-week cycle, they used to apply up to five applications of pesticides to control pests, now this has been reduced to a maximum of two applications per cycle.
"In the greenhouses where we have installed Svensson's insect nets, the incidence of whiteflies and thrips has been lower. From using five molecules per cycle, we now only use molecules twice per cycle," Juan Pablo added.
Although weekly fumigations continue, they are now carried out as a preventive measure, as pest problems have decreased. This has resulted in a 15% cost savings and improved pollination by eliminating the need to close beehives due to chemical use.
Another key benefit of Xsect Balance is the improvement in greenhouse ventilation, which has resulted in better humidity control, a crucial factor for plant development.
Frutos de Jalisco demonstrates how Svensson's solutions can optimize greenhouse climate conditions, even with challenges like those in this region. Since the installation of Xsect Balance, they have observed remarkable benefits, among the most significant are:
- Reduction of 2°C in the internal greenhouse temperature
- Decrease in pest incidence and significant cost savings
- Improved working conditions for both workers and bumblebees, enhancing their performance
Before concluding our visit to Frutos de Jalisco, Juan Pablo shared his experience working with Svensson:
"Up to now, everything I have requested has been responded to by Héctor, and the working relationship has been excellent. I am very satisfied because I don’t have any concerns about not being attended to. It has been a positive relationship of mutual understanding and attentive support."
Finally, Juan Pablo also offered the following advice for other growers:
"In terms of pest control, I recommend the net because it significantly reduces the incidence of whitefly. Here in our area, the whitefly is very virulent, but with the net, there is better pest control."
The collaboration between Svensson and Frutos de Jalisco reflects our commitment to providing innovative solutions that create long-term value. We are excited to continue working with growers like Juan Pablo Palacios to face climate challenges together.
