Analysis of Kaolin Particle Film Use and Its Application on Coffee

Abstract

<jats:p>Application of a kaolin-based particle film, Surround WP, was analyzed using glass plates and slides. The kaolin was sprayed on coffee grown in full sun to evaluate physiological responses to this shading technique. Kaolin reduced photosynthetically active radiation and ultraviolet transmission and decreased surface temperatures on glass slides. In the second year of application, photosynthesis of plants sprayed with kaolin was 71% greater than full-sun plants and yields were doubled. Leaf temperature was significantly lower in the kaolin treatment, but stable C isotope ratios, water use efficiency, nodal growth, and specific leaf area were not. The most likely mechanisms for increased yield are increased light transmittance to inner-canopy nodes or greater storage of photosynthate during the first year. Although results from this study suggest there is much promise for improving the performance and yield of coffee with kaolin application, studies with other species have shown inconsistent results. This inconsistency may be linked to variation in application techniques, kaolin coverage and subsequent effects on light transmission, leaf temperature, and physiological function. Thus, reports on physiological performance alone are insufficient to evaluate the use of kaolin application. Detailed information on application techniques combined with measurements of end-product criteria such as yield or quality are recommended to facilitate cross-study comparisons.</jats:p>

Limitation of coffee leaf photosynthesis by stomatal conductance and light availability under different shade levels

“…On the other hand, the A n values measured for GI 100 at AM (Fig. 1e) coincide with those measured by Steiman et al (2007) for ''Tipica'' arabica coffee leaves. The MM and PM A n levels for GI 45 through GI 100 (Fig.…”

Physiological status of conifer seedlings treated with radiation, drought and frost stress mitigation techniques: a laboratory assessment

“…The selected dose reduces incident PPFD by approximately 40-50 %, in agreement with previous studies (e.g. Jifon and Syvertsen 2003;Steiman et al 2007) and increase Asat in all species, with a marked effect on A. chilensis, which increased Asat in 100 %. Our results are contrary to results in Rosati (2007) for other species.…”

Particle films and their applications in horticultural crops

“…In kaolin-treated plants, assimilation and evapo-transpiration rates were reduced by 17 and 20%, respectively, while dark respiration remain un-affected (Cantore et al, 2009). Steiman et al (2007) observed the photosynthesis of coffee plants sprayed with kaolin was 71% greater than full-sun plants in the second year of application and yields were doubled. Campostrini et al (2010) applied 10% foliar processed-kaolin particle film over 'Golden' papaya leaves and found that it did not affect net CO 2 assimilation rates, stomatal conductance and transpiration; although the light reflection was higher and the temperature on the leaves was significantly lowered in the plants that received the particle film coating.…”

“…Particle films can lower apple peel temperatures by 6°C to 8°C, while leaves are typically 3°C to 5°C cooler. Kaolin-based particle films have demonstrated that the reflective nature of the resulting plant surface can increase plant productivity primarily by reducing temperature in fruit Wand et al, 2006), leaf (Glenn et al, , 2001bThomas et al, 2004), and canopy in apple; fruit in pomegranate (Punica granatum) (Melgarejo et al, 2004) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) (Saavedra et al, 2006;Pace et al, 2007), and leaf in coffee (Coffea arabica) (Steiman et al, 2007) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) (Jifon and Syvertsen, 2003).…”