Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Green insect‐proof nets mitigate pest stress and augment pak choi performance
By Wang X et al.·2026·View original on Europe PMC →
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Plain-English summary
Farming pak choi, a type of leafy vegetable, during the summer can be challenging because of insect pests. Researchers tested different sizes of insect-proof nets to see how well they could protect the plants. They found that the nets significantly reduced the number of insects, with the 40-mesh net completely eliminating certain pests and reducing aphid populations by up to 80%. The plants grown under these nets not only weighed more but also had better overall health, showing increased levels of important nutrients and improved growth. Overall, using insect-proof nets, especially the 40-mesh variety, was very effective in protecting pak choi from pests and enhancing its growth.
Abstract
Summer pak choi (Brassica chinensis L.) farming is difficult due to insect pressure. The preventive and physiological benefits of insect‐proof netting with mesh sizes 20, 40, and 80 on pak choi cultivation were investigated in summer. We found that 20, 40, and 80 mesh nets significantly reduced insect activity (p < 0.05). Aphid populations decreased by 50.84% (20‐mesh) and up to 80% (40/80‐mesh), whereas Pieris rapae and Plutella xylostella infestations were completely eliminated (100% reduction) in 40‐ and 80‐mesh nets. The net treatments increased shoot weight by 63.94%–67.91%, root weight by 52.63%–52.94%, and total biomass by 63.11%–66.67% over the uncovered control. The nets increased chlorophyll content (65.29%–67.25%) and improved antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase: 85.51–104.38 µmol/min/mg protein; catalase: 41.16–55.62 µmol/min/mg protein) (p < 0.05). Magnesium and potassium concentrations increased by 117%–118% and 106%–121% over the uncovered control, respectively. The statistics show that insect‐proof nets provide effective protection against key monitored pests and improve physiological performance in summer pak choi cultivation, with the 40‐mesh net providing the best overall pest exclusion and growth promotion.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/IND609457640