FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to crop protection netting for use over growing plants, vines, bushes, or trees (herein : plants) in agricultural applications.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Crop protection netting may be used to cover crops while they are growing. One type of crop protection netting comprises a line knit construction with joining filaments as shown in Figure 8. Another type of crop protection and comprises knitted netting defining diamond shaped apertures as shown in Figure 9 with the netting yarn on all sides of the netting mesh apertures being continuously knitted or knotted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved or at least alternative crop protection netting.

In a first aspect the invention broadly comprises crop protection netting having a greater length than width and which is of a knitted mesh construction, knitted such that at yarn intersections in the netting multiple yarns of which the netting is formed are knitted around each other to define the netting mesh apertures so that the netting is stretchable in multiple directions, and wherein connecting yarn portions between said yarn intersections extend substantially linearly between intersections, and wherein:

• at least one of the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed comprises a tape, and/or

• in addition to the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed (whether comprising a tape as above or otherwise) the netting also comprises multiple yarns or tapes extending through the netting (as a 'lay-in') woven through the mesh apertures and/or around intersections of the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed.

In embodiments of the netting in which at least one of the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed comprises a tape, another or the other of the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed comprises monofilament ie the netting is knitted from monofilament and tape. In embodiments of the netting which, in addition to the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed, also comprise multiple lay-in yarns or tapes, typically the lay-in yarns or tapes extend through the netting substantially in the same general direction to one another. Typically the lay-in yarns or tapes extend in a length of the netting (such as a warp or machine direction of the netting).

In some embodiments the lay-in yarns or tapes comprise tapes ie longitudinally extending single filament elements having four sides when viewed in cross-section, such as a rectangular or square cross-section.

In other embodiments the lay-in yarns or tapes comprise monofilament ie longitudinally extending elements having a circular or oval cross-section.

Preferably the netting is knitted from multiple yarns all extending along a length of the netting. In a preferred form each yarn follows an approximate zig-zag path path along the length of the netting, looping at each intersection in the netting comprising the yarn, to a further netting yarn intersection one on one side and one on another side.

In another aspect the invention broadly comprises crop protection netting having a greater length than width and which is of a knitted mesh construction, knitted from multiple yarns extending along a length of the netting and following an approximate zig-zag path path along the length of the netting, looping at each intersection in the netting comprising the yarn, to two further netting yarn intersections one on one side and one on another side, and wherein :

· at least one of the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed comprises a tape, and/or

• in addition to the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed (whether comprising a tape as above or otherwise) the netting also comprises multiple yarns or tapes extending through the netting (as a 'lay-in') woven through the mesh apertures and/or around intersections of the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed.

In embodiments of the netting in which at least one of the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed comprises a tape, another or the other of the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed comprises monofilament ie the netting is knitted from monofilament and tape. In preferred embodiments of this netting the tape may have a width in the range from about 1 to about 5 mm, or about 1 to about 3, or about 1 to about 2 mm, about 1.2 or about 1.4 to about 1.8 mm and in a particularly preferred form has a width about 1.6 or about 1.5 or about 1.4 or about 1.3 mm. In embodiments of the netting which, in addition to the multiple yarns of which the netting is formed, also comprise multiple lay-in yarns which may be monofilament, multifilament, or tape, typically the lay-in yarns extend through the netting substantially in the same general direction to one another. Typically the lay-in yarns extend in a length of the netting (such as a warp or machine direction of the netting). In preferred embodiments the lay in yarn may have a diameter (or width if a tape) in the range from about 1 to about 5 mm, or about 1 to about 3 mm, about 1 to about 2 mm, or about 1.2 or about 1.4 to about 1.8 mm and in a particularly preferred form has a width about 1.6 or about 1.5 or about 1.4 or about 1.3 mm if tape or about 0.15 to 0.3mm (and about 200 to 700 denier or about 500 to 700 denier) if monofilament.

In a preferred netting construction of the invention as will be further described with reference to the accompanying figures, each intersection is formed by knitting together of three yarn parts passing through the intersection :

• a first yarn which enters the intersection along a first axis and exits the intersection along the same first axis, so that a first connecting portion to a first adjacent intersection comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn,

• a second yarn which enters the intersection along a second axis, passes through the loop within the intersection of the first yarn, and extends to and returns from a second adjacent intersection along a third axis so that a second connecting portion to that adjacent intersection comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn, and exits the intersection along a fourth axis, and

• a third yarn which enters the intersection along the second axis so that a third connecting portion from a third adjacent intersection comprises portions of both the second and third yarns, passes through the loop in the intersection of the first yarn, and exits the intersection along fourth axis with the second yarn, so that a fourth connecting portion to a fourth adjacent intersection comprises portions of both the second and third yarns.

In another preferred netting constructions of the invention as will be further described with reference to the accompanying figures, each intersection is formed by knitting together of three yarn parts passing through the intersection :

• a first yarn which enters the intersection along a first axis, firstly creates an extra loop and exits the intersection along the same first axis, so that a first connecting portion to a first adjacent intersection comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn, • a second yarn which enters the intersection along a second axis, passes through the loop within the intersection of the first yarn, and then goes behind the loop created by the first yarn to create an extra loop and then extends to and returns from a second adjacent intersection along a third axis so that a second connecting portion to that adjacent intersection comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn, and exits the intersection along a fourth axis, and

• a third yarn which enters the intersection along the second axis so that a third connecting portion from a third adjacent intersection comprises portions of both the second and third yarns, passes through the loop in the intersection of the first yarn, and exits the intersection along fourth axis with the second yarn, so that a fourth connecting portion to a fourth adjacent intersection comprises portions of both the second and third yarns.

And each yarn intersection in the netting is connected to adjacent and surrounding yarn intersections by connecting yam portions each comprising at least two yarn lengths. Preferably, each yarn intersection in the netting is connected to adjacent and surrounding yarn intersections by connecting yarn portions each comprising at least two yarn lengths that are at least free of knots or loops for about 1.5 mm or 2mm or more in length between the intersections.

Preferably the netting comprises rows of said yarn intersections adjacent to one another in a first axis or direction across the netting, typically across a machine or manufacturing axis or direction of the netting. Preferably in immediately adjacent rows of yarn intersections in a second direction substantially orthogonal to said first direction, typically a machine or manufacturing axis or direction of the netting, the yarn intersections of the adjacent rows are staggered relative to one another.

Preferably the width of the netting is substantially uniform along the length of the netting. Preferably the mesh size is in the range of approximately about 1, 2, or 3mm to about 20mm, 3mm to 10mm, more preferably approximately about 3mm to 8mm, even more preferably about 4mm to 6mm, even more preferably about 2 mm to 4 mm or 3mm to 5mm, even more preferably approximately about 3.5mm to 4.5mm, and most preferably approximately about 4 mm.

In one form each mesh aperture comprises four yarn sides between knitted yarn intersections. In a preferred form the lengths of the sides are substantially equal. The netting may alternatively be knitted so that the lengths of the mesh aperture sides are unequal or so that the mesh apertures have more than four sides in more complex mesh aperture shapes, for example but not limited to hexagonal shaped mesh apertures. In the four-sided mesh form of the netting the shape of the apertures may be substantially square, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape. The mesh aperture shape is referred to when the netting is equally and maximally taut but not stretched in both its length and width directions.

In one form the netting is formed from elastic yarn. In another form, the netting is formed from non-elastic yarn. In another form the yarn is formed from yarn that has some elongation when stretched but is neither elastic or non-elastic.

In a preferred form the netting is reflective. In another form the netting is non-reflective. In some embodiments the yarn forming the netting may be any of the following : black, white, transparent or translucent, white (UV or non-UV reflecting white) in colour, coloured, formed from a non-pigmented material, formed from plastic, or formed from a range of polymers. In some embodiments the yarn forming the netting may be heart reflective, in the infrared range.

In one form the netting is formed by twin, triple, or multiple or single monofilament fibre yarns. In one form the yarn is monofilament. Preferably, the monofilament has a substantially circular cross-section. More preferably the yarn has diameter in the range of approximately 0.1mm to 1mm, even more preferably about 0.2mm to 0.8mm, and even more preferably about 0.2mm to 0.4mm, and more preferably about 0.2 to 0.3 mm and most preferably about 0.15mm to 0.25mm In denier, the yarn is preferably in the range of approximately about 50 to 1000 denier, more preferably about 50 to 700 denier, even more preferably about 100 to 500 denier, even more preferably about 100 to 300 denier, even more preferably about 150 to 250 denier or even more preferably about 200 to 300 denier Typically the netting is machine-knitted for example on a warp knitting machine or a weft insertion warp knitting machine.

Preferably the weight of the netting is in the range of about 10 to 100 grams per m ² , more preferably about 15 to 80 grams per m ² , even more preferably about 20 to 60 grams per m ² , even more preferably about 20 to 40 grams per m ² , or more preferably about 30 to 40 grams per m ² and even more preferably about 25 to 35 grams per m ² ' In some embodiments the yarn may incorporate a compound or compounds added to cause or increase the extent to which the material reflects and/or absorbs radiation from the earth (terrestrial (long wave or infrared) radiation). Thus when the netting is placed over plants it will assist in retaining heat beneath the material, which may be desirable for some plants or applications.

In some embodiments the yarn may incorporate a compound or compounds added to cause or increase the extent to which the netting allows transmission and/or absorption of radiation from the earth (terrestrial (long wave or infrared) radiation). Thus when the netting is placed over or adjacent to plants it will assist in releasing the heat beneath the netting, which may be desirable for some plants or applications.

In other embodiments the yarn may incorporate a compound or compounds added to cause or increase the extent to which the netting reflects and/or absorbs solar radiation. Thus when the netting is placed over plants it will assist in cooling beneath the material, which may be desirable for some plants or applications.

In other embodiments the yarn may incorporate a compound or compounds added to cause or increase the extent to which the netting allows transmission and/or absorption of solar radiation. Thus when the material is placed over plants it will assist in increasing the heat beneath the material, which may be desirable for some plants or applications.

In a further aspect the invention broadly consists in a method of protecting plants comprising the step of at least partially covering a plant or row of plants with a crop protection netting of the first aspect of the invention.

In one form the step of covering the plant(s) comprises securing the netting over the entirety of the plant(s) and securing or fixing it to the ground surface surrounding the plants.

In another form the step of covering the plant(s) comprises suspending or supporting the netting over the top of the plant(s) as a canopy using a supporting structure or framework.

The term "yarn" as used in this specification, unless the context suggests otherwise is intended to mean multi or mono filament yarn, threads or fibres. The term "yarn" unless the context suggests otherwise, is intended to include longitudinally extending single filament elements having four sides when viewed in cross-section, such as a rectangular or square cross-section, also longitudinally extending elements having a multisided cross- section such as a triangular or hexagonal cross-section for example, and also longitudinally extending elements having a circular or oval or similar cross-section (sometimes referred to hereafter as monofilament). The yarns may be formed from any suitable polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, for example, or a mixture thereof, or an ethylene alpha- olefin, or a polyester, or a biopolymer, or a blend of any of the foregoing. Certain plastics are particularly useful when present as minor or major components. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA) and ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) are useful for imparting elasticity and other properties. Polyesters and polystyrene, styrene- butadiene (SB), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate are useful as dye carriers and also for influencing radiation (reflecting, absorbing and transmission) properties and also other properties on the materials. Starch and other plant polymers are useful to increase biodegradability. Alternatively the yarns may comprise in part or whole of paper, wood or cellulose fibre, starch based polymers, casein, latex or in any combination of the above and/or with petroleum derived plastic polymers. The polymer or polymer blend may incorporate agents such as one or more pigments, UV stabilisers, or processing aids.

The phrase "mesh size" as used in this specification, unless the context suggests otherwise, is defined for the four-sided and equal-length sides form of mesh apertures as the length of the sides of the mesh aperture, or a substantially equivalent cross-sectional area for non-equi-length sided mesh apertures or other more complex mesh aperture shapes formed by more than four sides, the cross-sectional area being determined when the netting is taut but not stretched in both directions.

The term "reflective" as used in this specification is intended to mean that the netting filament or yarn themselves, excluding the air spaces, is reflective of at least about 20%, or about 30%, or about 40%, or about 50% or alternatively at least about 55% or alternatively at least about 60% or at least about 70% or at least about 80% of visible light on at least one side of the netting. In one embodiment of a reflective netting, the netting may reflect at least about 40% solar radiation on average across the UV (wavelength about 280-400 nm), visible (wavelength about 400-700 nm) and very near infrared (wavelength about 700-800 nm) ranges, and which transmits at least about 10% or about 5% on average of solar radiation across the wavelength range about 800- 2500nm. The netting may reflect more solar radiation than it transmits and absorbs in the UV, visible, and very near infrared ranges. The material may transmit at least about 15% or at least about 20% of solar radiation on average in the wavelength range about 800- 2500nm. Some or all yarn of a reflective netting may be formed from a resin comprising a white pigment, which resin has been formed by mixing a masterbatch consisting essentially of about 20 to 90% by weight of a white pigment or combination of pigments chosen from zirconium, strontium, barium, magnesium, zinc and calcium pigments, and a first polymer, with a second polymer such that the resin (masterbatch) comprising the white pigment comprises between about 5 to 50% by weight of the total mixture. In certain embodiments the white pigment may be selected from zirconium, dioxide, magnesium, zirconate, calcium zirconate, strontium zirconate, barium zirconate, zirconium silicate, zinc sulphide, calcium carbonate, barium sulphate, magnesium oxide, strontium carbonate, barium carbonate, potassium titanate and titanium dioxide.

The term "cover factor" means the percentage of the overall area of the netting material which comprises knitted, woven, or non-woven monofilament, yarn, or tape or a combination, forming the netting itself, judged from perpendicular to the plane of the netting when laid out flat, as opposed to air space in between the netting. Thus if a netting has a cover factor of 20% then the air space through the netting would be 80% of the total area of the netting.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification and claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of crop protection netting fully covering an entire row of plants in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of crop protection netting partially covering a plant in the form of a canopy in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a portion of related crop protection netting in a taut but un- stretched state; Figure 4 is a plan view of a portion of the crop protection netting of Figure 3 that has been stretched outwardly in the direction of arrows L;

Figure 4a is a plan view of a portion of the crop protection netting of Figure 3 that has been stretched outwardly in the direction of arrows L the opposite of Figure 4;

Figure 5 is a closer view of a smaller portion of the crop protection netting than shown in Figure 3, and in which three separate monofilament yarns or strands of the netting are shown each in a different shade;

Figure 5.1 is a closer view of a small portion of a variation of the crop protection netting with extra looping than shown in Figure 3, and in which three separate monofilament yarns or strands of the netting are shown each in a different shade;

Figures 6a-c each show the path of one of the three yarns in an individual intersection in the netting, and Figure 6d shows enlarged an individual intersection, again with each yarn or strand shown in a different shade as in Figure 5;

Figures 6.1a-c each show the path of a one of the three yarns in an individual intersection in the variation of the crop protection netting with extra looping, and Figure 6. Id shows enlarged an individual intersection, again with each yarn or strand shown in a different shade as in Figure 5.1;

Figure 7 is another plan view of a portion of the crop protection netting of Figures 3-6; Figure 7.1 is another plan view of a portion of the variation of the crop protection netting of Figures 5.1 and 6.1;

Figure 8 is a plan view of a portion an embodiment of crop protection netting of the invention which is knitted from monofilament and tape, in a taut but un-stretched state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8.1 is a closer view of a smaller portion of the crop protection netting of the invention of Figure 8;

Figure 8.2 is a plan view of a portion a variant of the crop protection netting of the invention of Figures 8 and 8.1;

Figure 9 is a plan view of a portion another embodiment of crop protection netting of the invention knitted from monofilament and with lay-in monofilaments every fifth series of joins through the netting, in a taut but un-stretched state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9.1 is a closer view of a smaller portion of the crop protection netting of the invention of Figure 9;

Figure 10 is a plan view of one prior art netting; and

Figure 11 is a plan view of another prior art netting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The crop protection netting of the invention is particularly suitable for covering trees or other plants for insect and bird exclusion. Particularly, the crop protection netting may be used over fruit trees including citrus trees to exclude insects that cause pollination in turn producing fruit with seeds. The netting is also stretchable or elongatable in both axes or directions, in the plane of the netting when laid flat, so that as trees or plants covered by the netting grow the netting can stretch to accommodate growth. The netting also does not comprise a relatively high level of knotting in the netting construction, which can add weight to the netting which weight may undesirably bear on often delicate foliage of covered plants. In particular the netting does not comprise lines of knotting formed by knotting the yarn upon itself along these lines, and also the netting yarn on all sides of the netting mesh apertures is not continuously knitted or knotted Figure 10 shows one type of prior art crop protecting netting of a line knit construction. The netting comprises parallel lines or ribs 50 formed by knotting the yarn upon itself along these lines, which are joined by cross-portions 51 of the yarn. The ribs 50 essentially comprise rows of tight knots. In the knots of the lines 50 the individual yarns are tied to one another and cannot move (or can move only marginally under strong tension). Yarn is knotted at one line 50 and then looped via a cross-portion 51 to the next line 50 then this is repeated down the rib line(s) so that there are two yarns knotted then the next two looped (as part of one loop) and so on. As a result the yarn is non-stretch or elongatable at least in the axis along the ribs. Also the high level of knotting in the lines or ribs 50 makes the netting relatively heavy.

Figure 11 shows another form of prior art crop protecting netting comprising diamond shaped apertures with the netting lines 60 being knitted or knotted as shown. This netting is also relatively heavy due to the continuous knotting in all directions/along all sides of the diamond shaped apertures. Also the knit construction comprising continuous knotting in all directions/along the netting sides of the diamond shaped apertures inhibits knitting this form of netting with a small aperture size such as a 4mm aperture size or example and it restricts the weaving of lighter weight netting.

Referring to Figure 1, a length of crop protection netting 10 of the invention is shown placed over a row of fruit trees 12. The netting may be manufactured in a length and width to suit typical applications or a range of lengths and/or widths. Typically the width of the netting is between about about 1 or 2 and about 20 or 25 or 30 or 35 or 40 or 50 metres and the length of the netting is longer. For insect exclusion typically the netting must be large enough to extend over an entire plant or row of plants as shown, and be secured, fastened or anchored at or toward the peripheral edges 11 of the netting with stakes, pegs, soil or other fixing devices to the ground 15 surrounding the periphery of the plant or plants such that bees or other insects cannot fly under the netting into the trees. Alternatively, the edges 11 of the netting may drape onto the ground and need not necessarily be secured in any way other than under its own weight. As shown in Figure 1, the netting 10 is draped over the trees such that it is in contact with and supported in place by the trees it covers. Figure 2 shows an alternative installation of crop protection netting of the invention as a canopy extending over the top of a fruit tree 12, and this installation may be applied over/along a row of trees also. The canopy installation comprises a supporting structure 13 or framework that supports or suspends the netting 10 over the fruit trees. The netting may also be arranged such that its peripheral edges 11 extend at least some way toward the ground 15 if more or full coverage is desired. The supporting structure 13 may comprise one or more upright posts alone or in combination with supporting wire or wires or other cross-members extending between the posts.

Related crop protection netting(s)

Figures 8 and 9 show crop protection nettings of the invention. Figures 3 to 7 show related crop protection netting(s), which are first described to aid understanding of the knit structure of the subsequently described embodiments of the netting of the invention of Figures 8 and 9. Figure 3 is a plan view of a portion of crop protection netting in a taut but un-stretched state and Figure 4 is a plan view of a portion of the netting stretched outwardly in the direction of arrows L. Optionally edge portions (not shown) of the netting may be reinforced or formed with different material to assist in fixing the netting to the ground. As shown, the entire netting or majority of the netting if the edges are reinforced is formed from a knitted mesh construction shown.

The netting is typically machine-knitted on a warp knitting machine or other knitting- machine. The netting comprises an array of mesh apertures 14. The mesh apertures 14 of the preferred embodiment are shaped as seen in Figure 7, a combination of rounded base and pointed peak, forming four sides with four yarn intersections points and are substantially uniform in shape and size. The orientation of the mesh apertures 14 relative to the length L and width W directions of the netting need not be as shown in Figure 3. Referring particularly to Figure 3 each shaped mesh aperture 14 is defined substantially by four sides 14a-14d of substantially equal length of yarn, which are connected by four knit intersections 14e. At the knit intersections 14e the yarns of which the netting is formed are looped around each other. Between the yarn intersections 14e the connecting yarn portions 14a-14d extend substantially linearly and are not continuously knitted or knotted (as in the prior art netting types referred to above). The sides 14a-d may have non-equal lengths in alternative forms of the netting. As shown, the sides 14a-14d between the intersections 14e comprise twin yarns, but be comprised of triple or multiple yarns in alternative embodiments. In the four-sided form of the mesh apertures, the shape of the apertures may be substantially square, rectangular or any other shape. It will also be appreciated that the mesh apertures may be knitted to have more than four sides, and with intersections 14e in alternative forms of the knitted mesh construction to create more complex mesh aperture shapes, for example but not limited to hexagonal shaped apertures.

The netting is stretchable or extendible in both the width axis or direction indicated by arrow W and the length axis or direction indicated by arrow L in Figures 3 and 4 which is typically the machine or manufacturing direction. Figure 4 shows a portion of the crop protection netting of Figure 3 that has been stretched in the length direction L (causing some contraction or reduction in the width direction W and also causing the mesh apertures 14 to change shape). Figure 4a shows a portion of the crop protection netting of Figure 3 that has been stretched in the width direction W (causing some contraction or reduction in the length direction L and also causing the mesh apertures 14 to change shape.

In the preferred embodiment shown the mesh size of the equi-length four sided mesh apertures 14 is defined by the length of the sides 14a-d between the intersections 14e, measured when the netting is in a taut but non-stretched state in both length and width directions. Preferably the mesh size may be in the range of approximately 1, 2, or 3mm to 20mm, 3mm to 10mm, more preferably approximately 3mm to 8mm, even more preferably 4mm to 6mm, even more preferably 3mm to 5mm, even more preferably approximately 3.5mm to 4.5mm. In one preferred form the mesh size may be approximately 4mm. The yarn from which the netting described above is knitted is typically a monofilament yarn of any suitable material as previously mentioned. Typically, the yarn is extruded from a polymer resin. Each yarn yams may be single monofilaments, or alternatively may comprise twin or multiple monofilaments. The monofilament yarns may be circular in cross-section or otherwise shaped. For circular monofilament yarns, the yarn preferably has a diameter in the range of approximately about 0.1mm to 1mm, even more preferably about 0.2mm to 0.8mm, and even more preferably about 0.2mm to 0.4mm, and more preferably about 0.15 to 0.3 mm and most preferably about 0.15mm to 0.25mm. In denier (grams per 9000 metres of the yarn) the yarn is preferably in the range of approximately about 50 to 1000 denier, more preferably about 50 to 700 denier, even more preferably about 100 to 500 denier, even more preferably about 100 to 300 denier, even more preferably about 150 to 250 denier or most preferably about 200 to 300 denier. The monofilament yarn may be stretchable or non-stretchable in length, and may be elastic or non-elastic depending on requirements. The netting is relatively lightweight. The weight of the netting is preferably in the range of approximately about 10 to 100 grams per m ² , more preferably about 15 to 80 grams per m ² , even more preferably about 20 to 60 grams per m ² , even more preferably about 20 to 40 grams per m ² , even more preferably about 30 to 40 grams per m ² and even more preferably about 25 to 35 grams per m ² and most more preferably about 30 to 40 grams per m ²

The crop protection netting may have a cover factor (as herein defined) of less than about 30%, less than about 20%, less than about 10%, or less than about 5%. Referring now particularly to Figure 5 which is a closer view of a small portion of the netting with three separate monofilament yarns or strands of the netting shown each in a different shade, and Figures 6a-c which each show the path of a one of the three yarns in an individual intersection in the netting and Figure 6d which shows enlarged an individual intersection circled by a dashed line again with each yarn or strand shown in a different shade, each intersection is formed by knitting together of three yarn parts (of three yarns extending lengthwise beside each other) passing through the intersection :

• a first yarn 22 which enters the intersection along a first axis A and exits the intersection along the same first axis, so that a first connecting portion 22a to a first adjacent intersection (of the four connecting portions to the intersection from four immediately adjacent and surrounding intersections) comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn 22

• a second yarn 20 which enters the intersection along a second axis B, passes through (and around) the loop within the intersection of the first yarn 22, and extends to and returns from a second adjacent intersection along a third axis C so that a second connecting portion 20a to that adjacent intersection comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn 20, and exits the intersection along a fourth axis D, and • a third yarn 21 which enters the intersection along second axis B so that a third connecting portion 21a from a third adjacent intersection comprises portions of both yarns 20 and 21, passes through the loop in the intersection of the first yarn 22, and exits the intersection along fourth axis D with yarn 20, so that a fourth connecting portion 24a to a fourth adjacent intersection comprises portions of both yarns 20 and 21.

Referring now particularly to Figure 5.1 that is showing a variation on the knit pattern of Figure 5, this variation has extra looping, which is a closer view of a small portion of the netting with three separate monofilament yarns or strands of the netting shown each in a different shade, and Figures 6.1 a-c which each show the path of a one of the three yarns in an individual intersection in the netting and Figure 6.1 d which shows enlarged an individual intersection circled by a dashed line again with each yarn or strand shown in a different shade, each intersection is formed by knitting together of three yarn parts (of three yarns extending lengthwise beside each other) passing through the intersection :

• a first yarn 122 which enters the intersection and does an extra loop before entering axis 1A, then extends along a first axis 1A and exits the intersection along the same first axis, so that a first connecting portion 122a to a first adjacent intersection (of the four connecting portions to the intersection from four immediately adjacent and surrounding intersections) comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn 122

• a second yarn 120 which enters the intersection along a second axis IB, passes through (and around) the loop within the intersection of the first yarn 122, and then goes behind the loop created by the first yarn 122 to create an extra loop then extends to and returns from a second adjacent intersection along a third axis

1C so that a second connecting portion 120a to that adjacent intersection comprises adjacent lengths of the same yarn 120, and exits the intersection along a fourth axis ID, and

• a third yarn 121 which enters the intersection along second axis IB so that a third connecting portion 121a from a third adjacent intersection comprises portions of both yarns 120 and 121, passes through the loop in the intersection of the first yarn 122, and exits the intersection along fourth axis ID with yarn 120, so that a fourth connecting portion 124a to a fourth adjacent intersection comprises portions of both yarns 120 and 121.

The extra looping in figure 5.1 and 6.1 creates a similar net to figure 5 and 6 but the extra looping gives a reduction in how stretchable the net is and this may in some applications be a more desired option. A plan view of Figure of 5.1 and 6.1 is shown in Figure 7.1. Another feature of the netting construction of the preferred embodiment is that each yarn intersection in the netting is connected to adjacent and surrounding yarn intersections by the connecting yarn portionsl4a-d each comprising at least two yarn lengths. In a preferred embodiment, each yarn intersection in the netting is connected to adjacent and surrounding yarn intersections by connecting yarn portions each comprising at least two yarn lengths that are at least free of knots or loops for 2mm or more in length between the intersections. This intersection knitting is repeated at each intersection in the netting. Figure 5 shows the path of individual yarns in a larger portion of the netting. Figure 7 shows a section of the material in which some individual yarns are shown in a contrasting colour from which it can be seen how individual yarns proceed down the length L of the material in the warp direction. Arrow L in Figure 7 also indicates the machine or manufacturing direction. The many individual yarns all extend along the length of the netting and each yarn follows an approximate lengthwise zig-zag path path, looping at each intersection in the netting comprising the yarn to one side and then to another side so that is linked to the two adjacent pairs of yarns on both sides. Referring to Figure 7 it can be seen that there is a pattern of zig-zags of two yarn parts, such as indicated at 30, between intersections 14e, with a loop, such as indicated at 31, to one side and then a loop, such as indicated at 32, to the other side, from successive intersections.

Preferred embodiments of crop protection nettings of the invention

Figures 8 and 9 show crop protection nettings of the invention. These nettings of the invention are similar to those of Figures 5 to 7 unless otherwise indicated.

Figure 8 is a plan view of a portion another embodiment of the crop protection netting which is knitted from a combination of monofilament and tape, in a taut but un-stretched state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, and Figure 8.1 is a closer view of a smaller portion of the crop protection netting of Figure 8. In this embodiment one of the multiple yarns 200 of which the netting is formed comprises a tape. The other one or two or more yarn or yarns comprise monofilament 201 (or may comprise multi-stranded yarn). For example relative to the netting of Figure 5 one of the three yarns or strands 20, 21, and 22 of that figure is a tape, while the other two remain monofilament (or multifilament). Alternatively two of the yarns 20, 21, and 22 are tape while the other yarn remains monofilament (or multifilament). The tape(s) 200 increase(s) shading provided by the netting while the monofilament 201 gives the netting additional strength than if made entirely of tape. In preferred embodiments of this netting the tape(s) 200 may have a width in the range from about 1 to about 5 mm, or about 1 to about 3, or about 1 to about 2 mm, or 1.4 to 1.8 mm and in a particularly preferred form has a width about 1.6mm. All of the netting may be knitted of a combination of monofilament and tape or only lengthwise parts with other adjacent lengthwise parts knitted from monofilament alone. That is, across its width the netting comprises two or more lengthwise 'stripes' of sections knotted from monofilament only (or multifilament) and sections knitted from a combination of monofilament and tape - such 'stripes' may be of the same or different individual widths across the overall width of the netting. Figure 8.2 is a plan view of a portion a variant of the crop protection netting of the invention of Figures 8 and 8.1. In this netting tapes 200 are spaced across the width of the netting with, in between the tape strands or elements, monofilament 201 that has been replaced by tape in the embodiment of Figures 8 and 8.1 remaining as monofilament of Figure 8.1 That is, in this embodiment every second similar monofilament rather than every similar monofilament comprises a tape. In other variants every third or fourth or fifth (and so on) similar monofilament is replaced with a tape.

Figure 9 is a plan view of a portion another embodiment of the crop protection netting knitted from monofilament and with lay-in monofilament through the netting, in a taut but un-stretched state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, and Figure 9.1 is a closer view of a smaller portion of the crop protection netting of Figure 9. The netting is the same as that of Figures 5 to 7 except that in this embodiment the netting also comprises lay-in monofilament 202 extending through the netting as shown, woven through the mesh apertures and/or around at least some of the intersections of the yarns of which the netting is formed. Again this increases shading provided by the netting. In preferred embodiments the lay-in 202 when a tape may have a width in the range from about 1 to about 5 mm, or about 1 to about 3, or about 1 to about 2 mm, or about 1.2 or about 1.4 to 1.8 mm and in a particularly preferred form has a width about 1.6mm about 1.6 or about 1.5 or about 1.4 or about 1.3 mm. Alternative to lay-in monofilament as shown the lay-in 202 may comprise multifilament or tape. The yarns of which the netting is formed ie the knitted yarns, may comprise monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape also. Typically the lay-ins 202 extend through the netting substantially in the same direction to one another. Typically the lay-ins extend in a length of the netting (such as a warp or machine direction of the netting). All of the netting may comprise a lay-in tape or monofilament or multifilament or only lengthwise parts. That is, across its width the netting comprises one or more lengthwise 'stripes' of sections with a lay-in and one or more other sections without a lay-in - such 'stripes' may be of the same or different individual widths across the overall width of the netting. Netting of the invention may be formed from synthetic yarn (which as stated previously includes monofilament, multifilament, or tape) of a polymer containing pigments which give the material desired properties, such as desired light reflective, absorptive and/or transmission properties for example. In some embodiments, the yarn may be reflective as previously described, for example by using yarns having a white pigment. This reflection may provide various benefits to the trees or plants being covered, but may also enhance the visibility of the netting to insects such as pollination insects thereby increasing the deterrence effect of the netting to insects. For example crop protection netting of the invention may be knitted from yarn which reflects at least 10% or at least 50% of solar radiation on average across the UV (wavelength about 280-400 nm), visible (wavelength about 400-700 nm) and very near infrared (wavelength about 700-800 nm) ranges, and which transmits at least 10% on average of solar radiation across the wavelength range about 800-2500nm. In some embodiments the yarn may reflect more solar radiation than it transmits and absorbs in the UV, visible, and very near infrared ranges. In some embodiments the yarn may transmit at least 15% or at least 20% of solar radiation on average in the wavelength range about 800-2500nm. In some embodiments the yarn may reflect at least 10% on average of solar radiation across the wavelength range about 800- 2500nm. In some embodiments the yarn may absorb more solar radiation than it transmits and/or reflects absorbs in the UV range. In some embodiments the yarn may be knitted from yarn from a resin comprising at least 1% or at least 2% or at least 4% or at least 8% or at least 10% or at least 12% or at least 14% or at least 16% or at least 18% or at least 20% or at least 25% by weight of at least one white pigment. In some embodiments white pigment comprises a zirconium, strontium, barium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, titanium, or potassium pigment or a combination thereof, such as zirconium dioxide, magnesium zirconate, calcium zirconate, strontium zirconate, barium zirconate, zirconium silicate, zinc sulphide, calcium carbonate, barium sulphate, magnesium oxide, strontium carbonate, barium carbonate, titanium dioxide, potassium oxide, potassium titanate or a combination thereof. The white pigment may be present in the form of particles of size 0.02-5 microns or 0.1-3 microns or 0.2 -2 microns or 0.3 - 1 microns.

This reflection may provide various benefits to the trees or plants being covered, but may also enhance the visibility of the netting to insects such as pollination insects thereby increasing the deterrence effect of the netting to insects. For example crop protection netting of the invention may be knitted from yarn which reflects at least 10% or at least 50% of solar radiation on average across the visible (wavelength about 400-700 nm) and very near infrared (wavelength about 700-800 nm) ranges, and which transmits at least 10% on average of solar radiation across the wavelength range about 800-2500nm. As stated the crop protection netting of the invention is particularly suitable covering trees or other plants for insect and bird exclusion. Particularly, the crop protection netting may be used over fruit trees including citrus trees to exclude insects that cause pollination in turn producing fruit with seeds. The netting is also stretchable so that as trees or plants covered by the netting grow the netting can stretch to accommodate growth. The netting also does not comprise a relatively high level of knotting in the netting construction, which can add weight to the netting which weight may undesirably bear on often delicate foliage of covered plants.

The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.