Crop Protectant Enhances UV Protection

A leading provider of clean technologies that purify, protect, and preserve the global food supply chain today introduced a next-generation solar stress protectant scientifically engineered to provide advanced ultraviolet (UV) protection for crops.Purfresh unveiled Purshade Ultra, which is formulated with premium materials and advanced chemistry, as the latest member of the Purshade family of protectants, which are designed to protect crops from harmful solar radiation.

While the sun is critical for photosynthesis and plant growth, it can sometimes provide too much of a good thing in the form of ultraviolet UV and infrared (IR) radiation. Excessive levels of solar radiation can compromise plant health and cause sunburn and heat stress. These conditions, commonly referred to as solar-stress conditions, are now recognized as a very serious threat to the value of crops, and have been shown to account for average losses in marketable yield ranging from 8% to as high as 45%—amounting to millions of dollars in economic losses annually.

The new Purshade Ultra product offers enhanced reflectivity across the UV light spectrum and is especially effective at reflecting UV-B light, which is the most damaging to plant productivity. Advancements in the formulation chemistry have also improved the coverage and mixing capability of the product, making it even easier to use. Results from research conducted by Two Bee’s Agricultural Research and Consulting using Purfresh Ultra on a variety of crops including Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, Granny Smith apples, and processing tomatoes, show decreases in sunburn on fruit and foliage, increase in biomass, and other enhanced crop quality characteristics including fruit color and Brix levels.

“Purshade products have now been used on more than 50 different crops around the world and are delivering measurable results for conventional and organic growers in more than 20 countries,” says Tom Justmann, general manager, plant health group for Purfresh, Inc. “Building on the success of other Purshade protectants, we are thrilled to be able to offer the market a new product, with advanced technology, that provides even greater levels of usability and solar protection.”

Developed by experts in solar stress crop protection, the Purshade family of products are engineered with a trademarked process called “Advanced Reflectance Technology” to provide superior protection against solar stress. Specially formulated for ease of use, Purshade calcium-based products are easy to mix, apply, and remove; are highly compatible with other products; and can be applied with standard spray equipment. Incorporating a Purshade solar protectant into a preventative spray program, for conventional or organic production, helps maximize the value of every treated acre by reducing solar-related losses, increasing yield potential, enhancing crop quality, and improving water use efficiency.

An innovator and market leader, Purfresh offers a range of clean, science-based solutions for the global food supply chain. Designed to purify, protect, and preserve fresh produce, Purfresh’s crop management products and cold chain solutions couple proven science with advanced technology to optimize the quality and safety of produce as it moves from the farm to the consumer. Serving more than 1,500 customers in 50 countries, Purfresh and its global partners help companies maximize yields, reduce losses, expand market opportunities, and deliver safer, higher-quality produce to the market. For more information, visit www.purfresh.com or www.purshade.com.