ARS | Publication request: PARTICLE FILM TECHNOLOGY-AN OVERVIEW OF HISTORY, CONCEPTS, AND IMPACT IN HORTICULTURE

Submitted to: Acta Horticulture Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: June 1, 2002
Publication Date: August 13, 2002
Citation: GLENN, D.M., PUTERKA, G.J. PARTICLE FILM TECHNOLOGY-AN OVERVIEW OF HISTORY, CONCEPTS, AND IMPACT IN HORTICULTURE. ACTA HORTICULTURE PROCEEDINGS. 2002.

Technical Abstract: Particle Film Technology was developed for the application of aqueous formulations of chemically inert kaolin mineral particles to crop plants to protect them from insect pests and environmental stresses. Field research demonstrated that this technology effectively provides a safe alternative to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in a wide range of crops, including apple, pear, grape, blackberry, tomato, peach, and nectarine. The particle film product 'Surround Crop Protectant', is the first material to provide effective suppression of high heat damage and sunburn without the use of evaporative cooling. In organic agriculture, particle film technology represents the first broad utility material that provides effective insect control and high produce quality in organic fruits and vegetables. Its adoption by organic growers will further increase the growth of this expanding industry in the US and globally. Particle film technology, while still in its infancy, represents a broadly-based insect control system whose impact could be similar to the development of the first synthetic insecticides but without the adverse effects on ecosystems. Additionally, particle film technology provides agriculture with the first sunburn and heat management tool that can manipulate ultraviolet, photosynthetically active radiation, and infrared radiation.