ECO TRELLIS® Horticulture Solutions says two of its new innovations are aimed at making operations more efficient for both berry and apple growers.

Based in New Zealand, with a Warehouse in Melbourne that supports Australian supply, the company will be promoting its ECO BERRY® trellis, as well as ECO V® & ECO VP systems at this month's Hort Connections.

The ECO TRELLIS® Horticulture Solutions products are manufactured by NZ Tube Mills, a privately-owned company with a large manufacturing plant based in Wellington, which produces an extensive range of stainless steel and carbon steel tube products for the horticultural industry.

^{Photo: some of the ECO BERRY® styles - courtesy: www.ecoberry.co.nz}

NZ Tube Mills says ECO BERRY® is quick and easy to install saving time and money, and offers the ability to ‘tuck’ foliage wires or strings, allowing additional labour saving costs. With a greater span than a traditional frame, one of the big advantages according to the company is that it is made from high-strength galvanized carbon steel which is coated with a thick layer of zinc, ensuring high durability against corrosion. It is Environmentally friendly, sustainable and fully recyclable.

ECO V® offers better growing opportunities and has the potential to increase apple yields. Nelson and Hawke’s Bay orchardists have led the way in New Zealand, installing the new system in their orchards. Growers in Central Otago are also trialing the new system for cherries.

^{Photo: the ECO V® styles - courtesy: www.ecov.co.nz}

Tristram Hoddy of Vailima Orchards, which was one of the first to introduce this system, has been quoted on the product's website as saying: “I am already very impressed with the new ECO V® system and think that it has the potential to lift my orchard’s yields by between 20 to 40 per cent in comparison to conventional trellising.”

ECO VP (Vertical Post) has been developed for apple and cherry trellising. It has been designed to support 2D growth, and is being promoted as a perfect system for both new orchard developments and the replacement of damaged wooden posts.

NZ Tube Mills says both innovations underwent research and testing, followed by a comprehensive product development process.

For more information visit Eco Trellis at booth 322 at Hort Connections.