**8.10 Crop support system**

The crop support system may be permanent, temporary, or a combination of the two. The system consists of support posts, guide wires, and strings that are tied to individual plants to support their growth. The design of these structures has to correspond to the needs of the crops, so it can vary. The plant support system is made of support posts usually made of galvanized metal and horizontal guide wires to which the strings (plastic and hemp string) that support the plants are tied. The metal guide wiring is positioned at various heights or levels relative to the greenhouse floor. So, for instance, the guide wiring for cucumbers is positioned at a height of about 2 m and for tomatoes at 4 m – 4.7 m. In order to fix the crop to a string or guide wire to support the plant stem (cucumbers) or flower clusters (tomato), various in type, size, and purpose plastic clips and hooks are used (**Figures 24** and **25**).
