In recent years, intense solar radiation has shifted from being an occasional factor to becoming a structural variable in agronomic planning.
- We are not just talking about extreme heat waves.
- We are talking about accumulated radiation, direct fruit exposure during sensitive stages, and plant tissues receiving more energy than they can physiologically manage.
The problem is not only visible sunburn. The problem is what happens before it:
- Protein denaturation
- Reduced photosynthetic activity
- Increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Higher transpiration demand
- Loss of water-use efficiency
Each burned fruit is not only a physiological injury. It is a direct economic loss.
In this context, SunGuard was developed — a mineral formulation designed to manage incident radiation on plant tissue, reducing the energy load and helping maintain crop physiological stability.
What is SunGuard?
SunGuard is a concentrated suspension based on natural minerals rich in calcium and magnesium, designed to form a protective film on the aerial organs of the crop.
It does not act as a simple white coating. Its technology is based on small mineral particles with flat morphology capable of:
- Filtering high-energy UV radiation
- Reflecting part of the thermal radiation
- Transforming part of the incident light into diffuse radiation
- Allowing the passage of wavelengths useful for photosynthesis
The goal is not to block light. The goal is to reflect the right light.
Ease of Use and Application Behavior
SunGuard has been developed to combine physiological effectiveness with operational simplicity in the field. Its formulation enables efficient application without compromising the normal operation of spraying equipment.
Application advantages:
- Stable and homogeneous formulation that facilitates tank preparation.
- Does not clog nozzles or filters when applied according to technical recommendations.
- Does not generate problematic deposits in the spray tank.
- Does not dirty machinery after application.
SunGuard integrates easily into standard treatment routines, providing radiation protection without adding operational complexity.
SunGuard forms an ultra-thin functional mineral film on plant tissue. The exclusive formulation prevents staining on fruit and preserves its commercial appearance.
Mode of Action: Three Ways to Manage Radiation on Plant Tissue
When certain wavelengths — especially high-energy ones — hit plant tissue during critical moments (fruit set, fruit enlargement, or when foliage coverage is low), the crop enters a productive risk scenario.
SunGuard manages radiation through three complementary mechanisms.
1. Selective filtration of high-energy radiation
Mineral particles filter part of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and other short wavelengths associated with higher energy loads.
This reduces the energy density impacting the surface of leaves and fruit, decreasing the risk of cellular damage.
2. Partial reflection of thermal radiation
SunGuard reflects a significant portion of thermal radiation responsible for surface heating of plant tissues.
By reducing direct absorption of this energy, heat accumulation in leaves and fruit is lowered.
The result is a reduced thermal load on the crop.
3. Transformation of direct light into diffuse radiation
Part of the incoming radiation is dispersed and transformed into diffuse light.
This improves light distribution within the aerial structure of the plant, allowing better penetration of usable light without increasing overheating risk in exposed areas.
Agronomic Benefits: Direct Impact on Crop Stability and Yield
Proper radiation management has clear consequences on production outcomes.
Reduced losses from sunburn
By lowering the energy load on exposed fruits, the incidence of sunburn damage decreases.
This results in:
- Higher percentage of marketable fruit
- Lower field and packinghouse rejection
- More uniform batches
Less damaged fruit means more sellable production and greater economic stability per hectare.
Reduced plant tissue temperature
Partial reflection of thermal radiation results in measurable reductions in surface temperature.
Lower temperature leads to greater physiological stability during peak radiation periods.
Reduced oxidative stress
Intense radiation and overheating increase the production of ROS, which are responsible for oxidative stress.
By limiting the energy load on plant tissues, oxidative pressure is reduced and cellular integrity is preserved.
Improved water-use efficiency
By lowering surface temperature, the plant requires less transpiration to regulate itself.
This improves the efficiency of applied water and contributes to a more stable water balance during high-radiation periods.
Field Results: Thermal Measurements Using Drone Technology
To evaluate the real impact of SunGuard on plant tissue temperature, measurements were conducted under high solar radiation conditions across different crops and production scenarios.
A few days after application, drone flights equipped with high-resolution thermal cameras were carried out to capture hundreds of temperature measurement points across treated and control plots.
This type of measurement allows objective evaluation of the actual tissue temperature, not just ambient temperature, and provides a homogeneous thermal map of the plot to detect differences and consistency of the effect.
Field Results: Thermal Measurements Using Drones
To quantify the effect under real production conditions, temperature measurements were conducted using thermal sensors mounted on drones across different crops.
Cherry
Apple
In apple orchards, the reduction reached up to 1.5 °C lower than the control.
Olive
In olive trees, a crop highly exposed to radiation, thermal reductions of up to 3.1 °C compared to the control were recorded.
These results confirm that radiation management using SunGuard has a measurable impact on crop surface temperature under real field conditions.
The thermal reduction is not theoretical: it is observable and quantifiable.
Conclusion: Managing Radiation Means Protecting Profitability
In a scenario where intense radiation is now a regular part of the production cycle, light management becomes a strategic tool.
Sunburn is not only a physiological issue. It is a direct reduction in commercial yield.
SunGuard works by managing radiation on plant tissue, helping reduce damage, stabilize crop physiology, and protect the economic outcome of the season.
Because when plant tissue is protected, production is protected.