Co-Authors:
Raviv, M., Dept. of Environmental Horticulture, Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, P.O. Box 1021, Ramat Yishay 30095, Israel
Antignus, Y., Department of Virology, Volcani Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, Israel
Abstract:
Production of high-value crops is often performed under protected cultivation. In recent years various spectral modifications have been made in greenhouse covers. Two of the main reasons to modify the spectral characteristics of greenhouse covers have been to suppress the proliferation of several foliar diseases and to protect crops from insects and insect-borne virus diseases of greenhouse-grown crops. These goals were achieved by complete or partial absorption of solar UV radiation, which interrupts the life cycle of several fungal pathogens and alters the visual behavior of many insects. Examples of these management strategies are described in this article.