BETTER GROWTH RATES, EARLIER PRODUCTION AND LESS MORTALITY.
The SnapMaxTM vine protector creates a
favourable micro climate around the plant, which in some
environments can enhance growth rates up to 2 or 3 times faster
than unprotected vines. (The rate of growth will depend on the
roots' ability to penetrate the soil and this, in turn, will
depend on the conditions of the soil itself.) This assists vines
to reach the first wire within the first year, thus enabling it
to produce grapes earlier. In many cases, growers can expect to
produce a limited crop in the first 18 months.
The more rapid and stronger growth of the vine that results from
using SnapMaxTM also helps the vine produce a
more vigorous root system. In 1999, first year vines in the
Douro Demarcated Region protected with SnapMaxTM
present a greater than 3.5mm growth, were thicker and more woody.
There was also a marked decrease in the mortality rate of young
vines..
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REDUCED TRAINING
COSTS
Training
vines up to the wire is done by SnapMaxTM.
There is no need to tie strings or use stakes, which is
laborious and expensive.
SnapMaxTM
encourages a straight stem as it grows. Vigorous sheet growth
tends to suppress laterals, reducing pruning costs. SnapMaxTM is
easily removed without damaging the vine either for pruning or
when mature leaves have formed at the top and the vine is firmly
attached to the fruiting wire.
The vine grows
naturally within the SnapMaxTM, without
staking. As the vine is forced to grow upwards, it naturally
chooses the strongest shoot, thus creating a natural debudding.
The triangular design furthermore prevents spiralling and
looping inside the guard which may occur in wide cylindrical
tubes..
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LESS
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION
The microclimate that is created within SnapMaxTM
reduces the amount of moisture that is lost through
evapotranspiration, thereby reducing the risks of hydric stress
to the vine.
COST-EFFECTIVE
WEED CONTROL
Effective
weed control reduces the stress that affects the vines when they
have to compete against vigorous weeds for nutrients and
moisture. SnapMaxTM is a cost-effective method
for broad scale weed control during the growing season by
providing a physical barrier to herbicide spray drift and
enabling spraying up to the base of the vine guard. |
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PROTECTS FROM
HARSH WEATHER
SnapMax'sTM
triangular shape and the rigid plastic structure of its
twin walls give it a structural integrity that enable it to
protect the vine against severe weather conditions such as
strong winds and hail that can damage the plant and decrease
growth rates. In coastal regions,
SnapMaxTMshields
from the salt that can burn the vines and in sandy soils,
protects from sandblast. The microclimate created inside the
guard helps to extend the growing season and thus maximise
development of the vines during the first twelve months. |
REUSABLE
Made from UV
stabilised durable plastic, SnapMaxTM can be
expected to last up to three seasons. When reusing SnapMaxTM
protectors, they should be folded the opposite way for the new
vine. This gives you a new clean surface on the inside allowing
any accumulated organic matter, now on the outside, to be easily
washed away by the weather.
SHIELDS AGAINST
HERBIVOROUS PREDATORS
SnapMaxTM
protects against grazing rabbits, wild boar, deer and other
animals that can cause often-irreparable damages to the vines.
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EASY STORAGE
Between
seasons, SnapMaxTM folds flat to be easily
stored in the minimum amount of space.
OTHER USES
Other forms
of SnapMaxTMprotectors have been designed for
use in the forestry, olive, cork and fruit tree sectors. |
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Better growth rates, earlier production and less mortality.
