Use of photo-catalysis in greenhouse film application and its experimentation in field trials

This work reports on the use of photo-catalytic materials in greenhouse film application and their influence on crop growth factors. Three-year trials on tomatoes vertically grown under this new cover film allow to observe very interesting effects inside greenhouses, which becomes of benefit for farmers. In particular the following has been noted: i) a significant reduction of fungal charge inside the growth ambient due to an antimicrobial effect of the film, which in turn determines a less use of fungicides; ii) a decrease of water dripping, due to vapour condensation on the cover film, because of a the higher wettability of the film surface; iii) a significant increase of light diffusion, which ensures a more homogenous light distribution vertically on the crop with a faster growth of plants and a reduction of direct light on plant tops preventing their burning. The observed effects are permanent and their synergic action creates a healthier atmosphere inside the greenhouse producing benefit for growers in terms of faster growth, higher crops yields and quality.