ultraviolet films enhancing life

Agriculture forms a very important part in the economy of the nation. This sector is also the one

which feeds everyone along with supporting the families of many farmers who rely on it for a

livelihood. This sector is inclusive of the various plants, flowers and vegetables that need to be

grown for survival. All this makes it imperative that the sector is given importance in terms of

protection.

When it is said protection of agriculture, this does not mean the provision of land and subsidies

only; it actually means protection of plants for various elements that can lead to deteriorate their

state and well-being. These elements include the pests and most importantly, the ultraviolet rays

of the sun.

Introduction to ultraviolet films.

Ultraviolet films ( click here ) are actually polymer films that are transparent and light in weight.

These films aid in forming covers for greenhouses and other such entities that are used for

cultivation of plants and vegetables alike. Such coverings are an alternative to the traditional

covers used by agriculturists. They are made from polycarbonate, polyethylene or polyvinyl

chloride. They are extremely durable and flexible.

However, even these plastic films can be damaged due to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. This

prompted manufacturers to develop films that can absorb the ultraviolet radiations and stabilize it

for prolonging the life of plastic films. This in turn leads to the health protection of plants present

beneath them.

The composition of UV films

These ultraviolet films used by greenhouses contain compounds of chemicals that can absorb the

ultraviolet radiation and also prevent it from transmitting through the plastic films onto the plants

present in the greenhouses. Such UV absorbing capacity chemicals are mostly combined in the

polymer matrix of UV films with the chemicals aiding stabilization. This leads to the slowing down

of the degradation process of these films when exposed to UV radiations.

Reputed manufacturers develop such chemical additives for providing maximum protection to the

plants from the UV rays. Along with protection, such films also ensure that sufficient light is

passed through them into greenhouses for the plants.

Effects of growth of plants

The ultraviolet radiations cause damage to all living organisms including the plants. Exposure to

such UV rays ( click here ) can damage the DNA, cell membranes, cellular structures and

proteins. This makes it necessary that the plants are not exposed to such rays. If this is done

correctly with the use of ultraviolet films, the life and health of plants is enhanced.

Prevention of pests

Some of the insects like aphids are heavily reliant of ultraviolet parts of electromagnetic spectrum

for being able to see. Hence, when the UV radiation is reduced inside greenhouses, the insects

will not be able to move freely inside. This leads to lesser infestations of the pests on plants.

Further, fungi like Sclerotinia and Botrytis are able to produce very few spores when the level of

UV radiations is lowered. This means that all the detrimental aftereffects of such fungi are

reduced as well. All this leads to better plant health.