Plastics for roofing agrivoltaic greenhouses: new challenges in IPM on tomato

Abstract: In agrivoltaic greenhouses, which offer a promising solution for sustainable
agriculture by combining crop cultivation with renewable energy production, the selection of
appropriate plastic covers plays a critical role in balancing agricultural productivity and energy generation. Materials used must allow sunlight to reach the crops, diffusing light, reducing shadows and promoting plant growth. Plastics used in agrivoltaic greenhouses can transmit wavelengths beneficial for photosynthesis, while redirecting other wavelengths to the photovoltaic panels for electricity production. Plastic covers in agrivoltaic greenhouses not only optimize light and temperature for plant growth but may also play a crucial role in pests and disease management. By controlling environmental factors, especially light spectrum, these covers can create conditions that deter pests and inhibit plant pathogens transmission. The phytosanitary role of innovative plastics, usable in agrivoltaic greenhouses, and their possible role in IPM strategies were investigated on protected tomato crops in Sicily. Effects of these plastics, compared to conventional or other photoselective ones, have been tested on some of the key pests of tomato in this region, such as the Lepidoptera Tuta absoluta, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci and the mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis. A limiting role by the tested plastics has been noted especially on B. tabaci, shown not only by the lower number of adults, but by the reduced reproductive and development capacity of the insect, demonstrated by a lower number of eggs and nymphs on plants grown under the tested plastics. A similar limiting effect was also observed in terms of lower presence of P. solenopsis. Further studies are needed, but the importance of using these new roofing materials in IPM programs for greenhouse horticultural crops is already evident from the available data.