Abstract
Kaolin-based particle films have use in reducing insect, heat, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and ultraviolet radiation stress in plants resulting from the reflective nature of the particles. Particle films with a residue density of 1 to 4 g·m−2 have been evaluated in a range of crops and agricultural environments. The particle film is a general insect repellant resulting from the change in the plant’s leaf/fruit texture but also because it changes the reflected light signature of the plant causing insect avoidance for many pests. The alteration of reflected light is the result of the ability of the particle film to reflect infrared (IR), PAR, and ultraviolet radiation. Reflection of IR can reduce canopy temperature as much as 5 °C, which will reduce potential transpiration. The reduction of PAR by the film at the leaf level is compensated in varying degrees by diffusion of PAR into the interior of the canopy. Whole canopy photosynthesis can be increased by the combined particle film effects of reduced canopy temperature and increased diffusion of PAR into the interior of the canopy. In apple, reducing fruit surface temperature, PAR, and ultraviolet is an effective means of reducing sunburn damage. The use of a reflective particle film is effective in mitigating environmental stress and has significant economic benefits in agricultural crops.
Kaolin-based particle films can reduce insect, heat, PAR, and ultraviolet stress in horticultural crops because of their ability to modify the microenvironment of the plant canopy as a result of the reflective nature of the particles. Particle films with a residue density of 1 to 4 g·m−2 leaf area have been evaluated in a range of crops and agricultural environments. The particle film is a general insect repellant resulting from the change in the plant’s leaf/fruit texture but also because it changes the reflected light signature of the plant causing insect avoidance for many pests. A general review of particle film effects on insect pests and insect predators is presented in Glenn and Puterka (2005). Other key papers include: D’Aquino et al. (2011), Joubert et al. (2004), Lapointe et al. (2006), Leskey et al. (2010), Pascual et al. (2010), and Sackett et al. (2007).
The alteration of reflected light is the result of the ability of the particle film to reflect IR, PAR, and ultraviolet radiation (Glenn et al., 2002, 2008; Steiman et al., 2007). Reflection of IR can reduce canopy temperature as much as 5 °C, which will reduce potential transpiration (Glenn, 2009; Glenn et al., 2003; Jifon and Syvertsen, 2003); however, reducing canopy temperature can reduce heat stress and increase water use resulting in reduced water use efficiency and increased productivity (Glenn, 2010).
The reduction of PAR by the film at the leaf level is compensated in varying degrees by diffusion of PAR into the interior of the canopy (Glenn and Puterka, 2007; Rosati et al., 2007; Wünsche et al., 2004). Whole canopy photosynthesis can be increased by the combination of reduced canopy temperature and increased interior canopy light (Glenn, 2009, 2010; Glenn et al., 2003).
In apple, reducing fruit surface temperature, PAR, and ultraviolet is an effective means of reducing sunburn damage in apple (Aly et al., 2010; Glenn et al., 2002, 2008; LeGrange et al., 2004; Wand et al., 2006) and other specialty crops including pomegranate (Melgarejo et al., 2004; Weerakkody et al., 2010) and tomato (Pace et al., 2007; Saavedra et al., 2006).
The particle film can improve apple fruit color in some regions (Aly et al., 2010; Garcia et al., 2003; Glenn, 2009; Glenn and Puterka, 2007; Glenn et al., 2001, 2005; Wand et al., 2006). However, there are instances of reduced apple color development (Gindaba and Wand, 2005; Schupp et al., 2002).
The use of a reflective particle film is effective in mitigating environmental stress and has significant economic benefits in agricultural crops. Glenn (2009) demonstrated in a 10-year study that fruit mass of kaolin-treated apples was greater than the untreated fruit in 9 of 10 years and that the magnitude of the treatment response increased with increasing growing season temperature (Fig. 1). These data suggest that growing season temperatures above 20 °C can potentially reduce fruit size, but the use of the reflective particle film can mitigate that effect. Management tools, including kaolin-based particle films, will be needed to mitigate increasing growing season temperatures associated with global climate change.
Relationship of the increase in fruit weight with 3% season-long Surround treatments (expressed as a percentage of the untreated control) to growing season temperature (1998–2007).
Citation: HortScience horts 47, 6; 10.21273/HORTSCI.47.6.710
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