Alexei Volkov
The use of plastic films as a covering for greenhouses is a popular choice for farmers due to their flexibility, durability, and affordability. However, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage these plastic films over time, reducing their effectiveness in protecting crops. To address this issue, manufacturers have developed UV-blocking greenhouse films that contain chemical compounds to absorb and stabilize UV radiation, thereby prolonging the life of the film and safeguarding the health of the plants inside. These UV-blocking films offer a viable solution by reducing the transmission of UV rays, which can have detrimental effects on crops, such as leaf discolouration and hindered growth. However, the benefits of UV radiation in greenhouses are also recognized, as it can enhance crop development, influence biological functions, and reduce fungal infections. As a result, growers must carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of using UV-blocking plastic films in their greenhouses, taking into account factors such as crop variety, exposure level, and the potential impact on beneficial insects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of UV-blocking plastic in greenhouses | To prolong the life of the plastic film and protect the health of the plants |
| Composition of UV-blocking plastic | Transparent polymer films made from polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polyvinyl chloride |
| Properties of UV-blocking plastic | Lightweight, flexible, durable, and strong |
| Effect of UV radiation on plants | Damage to DNA, proteins, cell membranes, and other cellular structures |
| Effect of UV radiation on insects | Insects such as aphids rely on UV radiation for navigation and orientation; reducing UV radiation in greenhouses may deter them from entering |
| Effect of UV radiation on fungi | Reduced UV radiation in greenhouses can decrease spore production in fungi such as Botrytis and Sclerotinia |
| Effect of UV radiation on plant coloration | Reduced UV radiation can result in more intense coloration in ornamental plants and vegetables |
| Drawbacks of UV-blocking plastic | Excessive blockage of UV radiation may repel pollinators and negatively impact plant coloration |
| Types of UV radiation | UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C |
| UV radiation transmitted by standard glass cover | 65-75% of UV-A and 3% or less of UV-B and UV-C |
| UV radiation transmitted by regular greenhouse glass | Approximately 70% of UV-A and around 3% of UV-B |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic films with UV-stabilizers can prevent degradation and protect plants
- UV-Open greenhouse coverings can optimise pollination and anthocyanin synthesis
- UV-B radiation can negatively impact metabolic processes in plants
- UV-blocking plastics can prevent pest insects from entering the greenhouse
- Reducing UV radiation can increase the coloration of ornamental plants
Plastic films with UV-stabilizers can prevent degradation and protect plants
Plastic films with UV stabilizers can prevent degradation and protect plants. UV-blocking greenhouse films are lightweight, flexible, and strong. They are made from transparent polymer films, usually polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polyvinyl chloride. These plastic films are extremely flexible and durable, but they are subject to damage from UV radiation.
UV stabilizers, also known as UV absorbers, are additives designed to shield plastics from the harmful effects of sunlight. They work by preventing UV radiation from causing detrimental reactions, such as discoloration, brittleness, and a loss of mechanical properties. By incorporating UV stabilizers into plastic formulations, manufacturers can improve the durability and lifespan of their products.
HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers) are a common type of UV stabilizer that is particularly effective against UV-A radiation. They work by scavenging free radicals formed during the degradation process and interrupting the chain reactions that lead to polymer breakdown. Other methods of preventing UV degradation in plastics include the use of carbon black, pigments such as titanium dioxide, and organic compounds such as benzotriazoles.
The use of UV stabilizers in greenhouse plastic films can help to prolong the life of the film, as well as protect the health of the plants inside. Reducing plants' exposure to UV radiation is beneficial to their long-term health, as UV radiation can cause damage to DNA, proteins, cell membranes, and other cellular structures. Additionally, reducing the amount of UV radiation in a greenhouse can result in more intense coloration in ornamental plants.
The development of UV stabilizers has opened up new possibilities for using plastics in outdoor applications and has led to more efficient and sustainable solutions. The plastic industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, and UV stabilizers can help to address these concerns by extending the lifespan of plastic products.
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UV-Open greenhouse coverings can optimise pollination and anthocyanin synthesis
The role of UV rays on plants is a well-documented topic, but there are still some unknowns, particularly when it comes to the variety of crops, exposure levels, and types of UV rays. UV-open greenhouse coverings can be used to influence the biological functions of plants, such as photosynthesis, pollination, resistance to diseases and pests, and the synthesis of compounds.
UV-open greenhouse plastic coverings are now available and can optimise pollination and anthocyanin synthesis in certain crops. For example, UV-open coverings have been shown to optimise the synthesis of anthocyanins in red lettuce (*Lactuca sativa* L.) and strawberries (*Fragaria × ananassa* L.). Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid, and exposure to UV-B rays can increase flavonoid content in lettuce seedlings.
UV-B rays, with wavelengths of 280-315 nm, are largely blocked by the ozone layer, but those that cross it can interfere with growth, development, photosynthesis, flowering, pollination, and transpiration. UV-A rays, with wavelengths of 315-400 nm, represent 95% of the ultraviolet rays that reach the surface of the earth. While UV-A rays are generally considered less harmful than UV-B rays, they can still induce protective mechanisms in plants, such as the accumulation of anthocyanins, as observed in maize, rice, and apple fruits.
UV-open greenhouse coverings can be beneficial for optimising pollination and anthocyanin synthesis, but it is important to consider the potential drawbacks. UV-open glazing can hasten the degradation of materials inside the greenhouse, such as irrigation lines and other plastic equipment. Additionally, labour working in UV-open greenhouses may require skin protection, especially when working with UV-B transmitting materials.
Overall, while UV-open greenhouse coverings can provide benefits for certain crops, it is important to carefully consider the specific crop requirements, exposure levels, and potential drawbacks to determine the most suitable covering type.
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UV-B radiation can negatively impact metabolic processes in plants
Greenhouse plastic coverings are designed to block UV rays, which can have a detrimental effect on plants. UV-B radiation, in particular, has been found to negatively impact metabolic processes in plants.
UV-B radiation, with wavelengths of 280-315 nm, is largely blocked by the ozone layer. However, some UV-B rays reach the Earth's surface and can affect plants. UV-B radiation can interfere with growth, development, photosynthesis, flowering, pollination, and transpiration. It can also lead to a reduction in growth, including leaf length, leaf area, and leaf number, as well as an increase in flavonoid content in plants.
The negative impact of UV-B radiation on metabolic processes in plants is due to its ability to damage DNA, proteins, cell membranes, and other cellular structures. This damage can alter gene expression and impact the production of important compounds such as chlorophyll and carotenoids. Additionally, UV-B radiation can trigger the production of specialized metabolites, which can affect the quality of the plant, such as its aroma, taste, and colour.
While some growers perceive UV rays as detrimental to crops, recent evidence suggests that natural levels of UV-B radiation in sunlight can have beneficial effects on the performance and nutritional quality of many fruits, vegetables, and ornamental crops. For example, UV-B radiation can increase the production of flavonoids, which have health benefits for humans.
The use of UV-blocking greenhouse plastic coverings allows growers to control the amount of UV-B radiation that reaches their crops, optimizing their growth and development while minimizing potential negative impacts.
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UV-blocking plastics can prevent pest insects from entering the greenhouse
The use of UV-blocking plastics in greenhouses is a way to prevent pest insects from entering. UV-blocking greenhouse films are lightweight, flexible, and strong. They are made from transparent polymer films, which are usually made from polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polyvinyl chloride. These plastics are extremely flexible and durable, but they can be damaged by exposure to UV radiation.
UV-blocking plastics are designed to absorb and stabilize UV radiation to prolong the life of the film and protect the health of the plants in the greenhouse. UV radiation is harmful to living organisms, including plants, as it damages DNA, proteins, cell membranes, and other cellular structures. By reducing plants' exposure to UV radiation, UV-blocking plastics can protect them from damage and promote their long-term health.
In addition to the benefits for plants, UV-blocking plastics can also help to control pest insects. Some insects, such as aphids, rely on the ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum for their vision. By reducing the amount of UV radiation inside the greenhouse, UV-blocking plastics can make it more difficult for these insects to enter. Field trials have shown that the use of UV-absorbing plastic films can affect the population levels of certain insect species, including the greenhouse whitefly.
However, it is important to note that excessive blockage of UV radiation can also have negative consequences. For example, when plants rely on bees for pollination, discouraging insects from entering the greenhouse can be detrimental. Additionally, low UV levels can cause vegetables to have an unacceptably pale color, which may be undesirable for commercial growth. Therefore, the use of UV-blocking plastics in greenhouses should be carefully considered, taking into account the specific needs of the plants and the potential benefits and drawbacks of reducing UV radiation.
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Reducing UV radiation can increase the coloration of ornamental plants
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an essential component of solar radiation, but it can be harmful to plants, causing damage to DNA, proteins, cell membranes, and other cellular structures. While UV-C radiation is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, UV-B and UV-A radiation can interfere with growth, development, photosynthesis, flowering, pollination, and transpiration.
To mitigate the damaging effects of UV radiation, growers use UV-blocking greenhouse films made from polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polyvinyl chloride. These films are lightweight, flexible, durable, and contain chemical compounds that absorb and stabilize UV radiation, protecting the health of the plants inside.
Reducing UV radiation in greenhouses has been shown to increase the coloration of ornamental plants, making their flowers and leaves more intensely coloured. This is particularly valuable in the commercial growth of flowers, where inconsistent colour or petal staining can be undesirable.
However, UV radiation also plays a crucial role in plant coloration and pollination. Flowers employ ultraviolet coloration to attract pollinators, reflecting or absorbing UV light waves to communicate and stand out from other flowers. Bees, for example, have trichromatic vision with peak sensitivities in UV, blue, and green, and are attracted to flowers that use small guides and combine UV reflectance and absorption.
Therefore, excessive blockage of UV radiation can negatively impact pollination by repelling pollinators and reducing pollen exchanges. Growers must carefully consider the level of UV blockage, as insufficient light transmission can also negatively affect plant growth and coloration. The type of cover (UV block/UV open) and artificial lighting strategy can be adapted to influence the biological functions of plants and achieve optimal results.
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Frequently asked questions
UV or ultraviolet rays are a form of solar radiation. They are composed of three types of UV radiation, classified according to their biological activities and ability to penetrate the human skin. These are UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C rays.
Yes, greenhouse plastics can block UV rays. Transparent polymer films are made from polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polyvinyl chloride. They are flexible, durable, and lightweight. They are also subject to damage from UV rays, so manufacturers add chemical compounds to absorb and stabilize UV radiation. This prolongs the life of the film and protects the plants in the greenhouse.
Blocking UV rays in a greenhouse can protect the health of plants. UV radiation can damage DNA, proteins, cell membranes, and other cellular structures. Reducing UV radiation can also reduce the number of pest insect attacks and fungal infections.
Excessive blockage of UV radiation can repel pollinators, which is detrimental to plants that rely on them. It can also cause vegetables to have an unacceptably pale colour.
