Databank. 'Smart' polythene films

Databank

"Smart" polythene films

New polythene cladding materials for greenhouses and polytunnels that significantly prevent fungal growth and cut the use of chemicals in horticulture have taken first place in the Government-backed national Science into Practice Awards. The "smart"plastics were developed jointly by Visqueen Agri and the University of Reading. They offer positive environmental benefits by reducing the need for pesticides and plant growth regulators. The research showed that certain wavebands of natural light trigger the development of Botrytis spores, a rapidly growing fungal infection that severely damages fruit such as tomatoes, strawberries and raspberries. It is also known that certain wavelengths of light affect the height and morphology of plants including the leaf area, degree of branching and number of buds.