Geoola, F., Inst. of Agricultural Engineering, ARO, Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Kashti, Y., Inst. of Agricultural Engineering, ARO, Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Levi, A., Inst. of Agricultural Engineering, ARO, Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Brickman, R., Inst. of Agricultural Engineering, ARO, Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel

A test chamber for investigation of the influence of agrochemicals (sulfur vapor) on the condensation and mechanical properties of greenhouse cladding materials was designed and constructed. The roof of the test chamber was covered by three types of polyethylene films. The exterior surfaces of the films were exposed to sun while the interior surfaces were exposed to sulfur vapor as used in rose greenhouses. At four dates, 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks from the start of experiments, samples of the three types plastic film were tested for their mechanical (elongation at break) and anti-drop properties. It was observed that after 3 weeks of sulfur evaporation the anti-drop plastic film had lost it anti-drop properties. It was found that, after twelve weeks of sulfur evaporation the elongation at break of plastic films, were reduced to about 35% of their original value. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.