Particle films and their applications in horticultural crops

Due to rising health concern, the idea of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) has emerged, especially for growing crops organically. In this context, several innovative technologies have been developed by agricultural scientists, such as the particle film technology (PFT). They are basically aqueous formulations made from chemically inert clay or mineral particles, which are specifically formulated for coating to reduce the damage caused by insects, diseases, solar injury, freeze injury and to improve fruit finish, color, carbon assimilation rate, yield and postharvest fruit quality. The development of the first such kaolin-based formulation, named Surround®, for commercial use was by Engelhard Corporation, Iselin, New Jersey (U.S.A.) in 1999. During the last two decades, a significant amount of research work has been conducted on the development of several such films (Surround® CF, Surround® WP, Raynox®, Cocoon™, Purshade™, Parasol®, Screen®, Snow®, Eclipse™, etc.) and their effects on various agricultural and horticultural crops. Considering the usefulness of these films, we attempted to compile the scattered information on the developed particle films, their modes of action and effects on various horticultural crops, in the form of a review. The review is particularly focused on history, modes of action, application and a variety of effects of particle films on horticultural crops.