Use of silicates in greenhouse films to improve floral development of plants

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of a silicate in a greenhouse film for improving the floral development of plants, wherein the film comprises at least a matrix and a silicate. The invention also relates to a film for improving the floral development of plants comprising at least a matrix and the silicate, and the use of a film comprising at least a matrix and the silicate in a greenhouse for improving the floral development of plants.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the use of a silicate in a greenhouse film for improving the floral development of plants, wherein the film comprises at least a matrix and a silicate. The invention also relates to a film for improving the floral development of plants comprising at least a matrix and the silicate, and the use of a film comprising at least a matrix and the silicate in a greenhouse for improving the floral development of plants. Background Art

[0002] Flowers have always been appreciated and used by people for beautification, and have also been used as romantic, ceremonial, religious, medicinal items and as a food source. In addition, natural products extracted from flowers also have some commercial value and have many uses and applications.

[0003] Flower formation is very complex and unique and can be considered to have a series of distinct developmental steps, namely, floral induction, formation of floral primordia, and production of floral organs. For flower formation, three physiological developments must occur: first, the plant must enter a sexually mature state from a sexually immature state (i.e., transition to flowering); second, the function of the apical meristem changes from a vegetative meristem to a floral meristem or inflorescence; and finally, the growth of the various floral organs. The latter stage has been modeled using the ABC model, which describes the biological basis of this process from the perspectives of molecular genetics and developmental genetics. Mutations that disrupt each of these steps have been isolated from multiple species, indicating that a genetic hierarchy directs the flowering process (for review, see Weigel and Meyerowitz, Molecular Basis of Morphogenesis (M. Bernfield, ed.), 51st Annual Symposium of the Society for Developmental Biology, pp. 93-107, New York, 1993).

[0004] Flower development is then considered quite distinct and not linked to plant growth, which is usually defined as promoting, increasing or improving the growth rate of a plant or increasing the size of a plant or promoting an increase in the size of a plant. Indeed, in addition to plant biomass growth, there is a need to ensure proper development of flowers; that is, to ensure the number of flowers produced by a plant, their size and / or quality.

[0005] Flowering development is usually obtained by using agrochemical compositions, genetically modified organisms or specific varieties.

[0006] Such agrochemical compositions should be effective in promoting plant growth and increasing crop yields. Therefore, there is a general desire to obtain high plant productivity. In order to improve the productivity, organic products have been used in large quantities to increase crop productivity, but concerns have been raised about the long-term effects of these products on mammals, especially humans. Therefore, there is also a demand for improving the productivity of crops with the help of products without causing any concerns about the long-term effects of the products. Using genetically modified organisms or specific varieties to achieve appropriate, improved flowering development is complicated and not suitable for a wide range of plants and varieties.

[0007] Thus, there is a need for a simple method for improving floral development that can be used on many types of plants. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to solve this technical problem and the problems that have not been solved. Indeed, it appears that an agrochemical composition that is not in direct contact with the plant and has a radiation-induced emission efficiency shows excellent results in terms of flower development, such as the number of flowers produced by the plant, their size and / or quality. Thus, it appears that it is now possible to set a plant treatment agent that allows to improve the development of flowers without using chemicals that affect natural plant hormones and without any concerns about the long-term effects of the product.

[0009] The present invention thus provides plant treatment agents which are very effective in improving flower development and lead to improved crop yields. Furthermore, the treatment agents used in the present invention have excellent physicochemical properties and in particular improved storage stability. The inorganic nature of the particles also has a lower impact on the environment, in particular the long-term effects on mammals, especially humans, are reduced.

[0010] The North American rose industry is estimated to be worth over $5-6 billion (US) at the grower level. The industry typically requires some turnaround time of 11-14 weeks from cut flower to market shipment. The ability to produce a higher quality product while reducing time to market by 10-20 days, as provided by the technology of the present invention, has significant cost benefits for the floriculture / horticulture industry.

[0011] The present invention thus relates to the use of a silicate S1 in a greenhouse film for improving the floral development of plants, wherein the film comprises at least a matrix and a silicate S1, preferably particles of a silicate S1 dispersed in the matrix, said silicate S1 exhibiting:

[0012] (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength in the range from 400 nm to 500 nm, preferably from 420 nm to 455 nm, and a second peak wavelength in the range from 550 nm to 700 nm, preferably from 590 nm to 660 nm, and

[0013] (b) an absorption at wavelengths greater than 440 nm of less than or equal to 20%, preferably less than or equal to 15%, more preferably less than or equal to 10%, possibly less than or equal to 5%.

[0014] The invention also relates to a film comprising at least a matrix and said silicate S1 for improving the flower development of plants, and the use of a film comprising at least a matrix and said silicate S1 in a greenhouse for improving the flower development of plants. Such a film and therefore said silicate S1 is advantageously used in the manufacture or construction of a greenhouse (greenhouse roof, wall).

[0015] It appears that the silicates of the present invention allow the film to convert solar radiation or artificial radiation (preferably UV radiation) into blue light and / or especially red light, or alternatively convert solar radiation or artificial radiation (preferably UV radiation, and especially solar UV radiation) into low-energy radiation, which then allows improved flower development. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] definition

[0017] Although it is believed that the following terms are understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the following definitions are listed to facilitate explanation of the subject matter disclosed by the present invention. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter disclosed by the present invention belongs. Although any methods, devices and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice or test the subject matter disclosed by the present invention, representative methods, devices and materials will now be described.

[0018] Should the disclosure of any patents, patent applications, and publications incorporated herein by reference conflict with the description of the present application to the extent that it renders a term unclear, the present description shall take precedence.

[0019] Throughout this specification, unless the context dictates otherwise, the words "comprise" or "include" or variations such as "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including" should be understood to mean the inclusion of the stated elements or method steps or groups of elements or method steps, but not the exclusion of any other elements or method steps or groups of elements or method steps. According to a preferred embodiment, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations thereof mean "consisting only of".

[0020] As used in this specification, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and / or" includes the meanings of "and", "or" and also includes all other possible combinations of elements connected with the term.

[0021] The term "between" should be understood to include the limit values.

[0022] Ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed in range form herein. It should be understood that this range form is used only for convenience and brevity and should be flexibly understood to include not only the numerical values ​​explicitly stated at the limits of the range, but also all single numerical values ​​or sub-ranges encompassed within the range, just as each numerical value and sub-range are explicitly stated. For example, a temperature range of about 120°C to about 150°C should be understood to include not only the explicitly stated limits of about 120°C to about 150°C, but also sub-ranges, such as 125°C to 145°C, 130°C to 150°C, etc., and a single amount within the specified range, including small quantities, such as, for example, 122.2°C, 140.6°C, and 141.3°C.

[0023] The term "aryl" refers to an aromatic carbocyclic group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, which has a monocyclic (e.g., phenyl) or polycyclic (e.g., biphenyl), or multiple condensed (fused) rings (e.g., naphthyl or anthracenyl). The aryl group can also be fused or bridged with an alicyclic ring or a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring to form a polycyclic ring, such as tetralin. The term "aryl" includes aromatic groups such as phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, indane, and biphenyl. "Arylene" is a divalent analog of aryl.

[0024] The term "heteroaryl" refers to an aromatic cyclic group having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms and having in at least one ring (if more than one ring is present) a heteroatom selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur.

[0025] The term "aliphatic compound" refers to a substituted or unsubstituted saturated alkyl chain having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl chain having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl chain having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0026] As used herein, "alkyl" includes saturated hydrocarbons having one or more carbon atoms, including straight-chain alkyls such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl; cyclic alkyls (or "cycloalkyl" or "alicyclic" or "carbocyclic" groups), such as cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl; branched alkyls such as isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl and isobutyl; and alkyl-substituted alkyls such as alkyl-substituted cycloalkyls and cycloalkyl-substituted alkyls. The term "aliphatic group" includes organic moieties characterized by straight or branched chains, typically having between 1 and 18 carbon atoms. In complex structures, these chains may be branched, bridged, or cross-linked. Aliphatic groups include alkyls, alkenyls, and alkynyls.

[0027] As used herein, "alkenyl" or "alkenyl" refers to an aliphatic hydrocarbon group that may be straight or branched, containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Examples of alkenyl groups include, but are not limited to, ethenyl, propenyl, n-butenyl, isobutenyl, 3-methylbut-2-enyl, n-pentenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, decenyl, and the like. The term "alkynyl" refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon group having at least one carbon-carbon triple bond, such as ethynyl.

[0028] The term "arylaliphatic" refers to an aryl group covalently attached to an aliphatic, wherein aryl and aliphatic are defined herein.

[0029] The term "cycloaliphatic compound" refers to a carbocyclic group having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms, the carbocyclic group having a monocyclic ring or a plurality of condensed rings which may be partially unsaturated, wherein aryl and aliphatic compounds are defined in this article. The term "heterocyclic group" includes a closed ring structure similar to a carbocyclic group, wherein one or more carbon atoms in the ring are elements other than carbon, for example, nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen. The heterocyclic group may be saturated or unsaturated.

[0030] The term "alkoxy" refers to linear or branched oxygen-containing groups, each of which has an alkyl portion of one to about twenty-four carbon atoms, or preferably one to about twelve carbon atoms. Examples of such groups include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy and tert-butoxy.

[0031] As used herein, the term "(Cn-Cm)" with respect to an organic group, wherein n and m are each an integer, means that the group may contain from n to m carbon atoms per group.

[0032] As used herein, the term "plant" refers to a member of the plant kingdom, and includes all stages of the plant life cycle (including but not limited to seeds), and includes all plant parts. The plant according to the present invention can be agricultural and horticultural plants, shrubs, trees and grasses, hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as plants.

[0033] The term "biomass" means the total mass or weight (fresh or dry) of a plant tissue, a plurality of plant tissues, a whole plant, or a plant population at a given time. Biomass is usually given as weight per unit area. Increased biomass includes, but is not limited to, increased pod biomass, stem biomass, and root biomass.

[0034] A flower (sometimes called a bloom or blossom) is a reproductive structure found in flowering plants (Magnoliaceae, also known as angiosperms), typically with pistils, stamens, perianth, and an axis. The biological function of a flower is to achieve reproduction, usually by providing a mechanism for the union of sperm and eggs. Flowers can promote outcrossing (the fusion of sperm and eggs from different individuals in the population) or allow selfing (the fusion of sperm and eggs from the same flower). Some flowers produce unfertilized propagules (parthenocarpy). Flowers contain sporangia and are the sites of gametophyte development. Specific terms are used to describe flowers and their parts. Many flower parts are fused; fused parts from the same whorl are connate, while fused parts from different whorls are adnate; unfused parts are free. In flowers with more than one flower on the axis, the cluster of flowers is called an inflorescence. Some inflorescences are composed of many florets arranged to resemble a single flower.

[0035] The term "floral development" refers to the development and growth of flowers in plants, such as, in particular, the time of flowering, flowering production, accelerated onset of flowering and flowering time of plants; that is, the time when floral meristems are first visually detectable in plants, such as by light microscopy or using the naked eye. Floral development is also the process by which angiosperms generate gene expression patterns in the meristems that lead to the appearance of the organ of sexual reproduction (flower).

[0036] The term "floral meristem" refers to a meristem in which the differentiation process produces a cell type that develops into an inflorescence meristem, a secondary inflorescence meristem, a floral organ, or a sexual reproductive organ, wherein the meristem or organ, when developed, may comprise both reproductive and non-reproductive tissues, including but not limited to anthers, stamens, stigmas, ovules, carpels, petals, and calyx.

[0037] The term "film" can be used in a general sense to include films or sheets having a three-dimensional geometric configuration, but a structural element whose thickness (distance between planes) is small when compared to other characteristic dimensions of the film (particularly length, width). Films are typically used to separate areas or volumes, hold items, act as a barrier or as a printable surface.

[0038] The term "greenhouse" is to be understood in this context in its broadest sense as covering any type of shelter used for crop protection and growth. For example, they may be plastic greenhouses and large plastic arches, glass greenhouses, large shelters, semi-plastic arches, flat protective sheets, walls, coverings (ground coverings), in particular as described in the brochure "L'évolution de la plasticulture dans le Monde [The Evolution of Plastic Cultivation in the World]" published by CIPA (Congrès International du Plastique dans l'Agriculture, 65 rue de Prony, Paris), by Jean-Pierre A greenhouse may also be called a horticultural unit or a germination unit.

[0039] The term "emission" corresponds to the emission of photons by a luminescent material at an excitation wavelength that matches the excitation spectrum of the luminescent material.

[0040] The term "peak wavelength" means a generally accepted meaning and in this application may include both a main peak with maximum intensity / absorption of an emission / absorption (preferably emission) spectrum and a side peak with less intensity / absorption than the main peak. The term peak wavelength may be related to the side peak. The term peak wavelength may be related to the main peak with maximum intensity / absorption.

[0041] The term "radiation-induced emission efficiency" is also to be understood in this sense, ie the silicate absorbs radiation in a certain wavelength range and emits radiation in another wavelength range with a certain efficiency.

[0042] plant

[0043] Plants included in the present invention are any flowering plants, including both monocots and dicots. Examples of monocots include, but are not limited to, vegetables such as asparagus, onions, and garlic; cereals such as maize, barley, wheat, rice, sorghum, pearl millet, rye, and oats; and grasses such as pasture and lawn grasses. Examples of dicots include, but are not limited to, vegetable crops, fodder crops, and oil crops such as tomatoes, beans, soybeans, peppers, lettuce, peas, alfalfa, clover, Brassica species (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, rapeseed, and radishes), carrots, beets, eggplants, spinach, cucumbers, pumpkins, melons, cantaloupes, sunflowers; fiber crops such as cotton; and various ornamental plants such as flowers and shrubs. Plants used in the present invention can be grown to produce agricultural or horticultural products, such as grains, food, fiber, etc. The plant can be a cereal plant.

[0044] The membrane and use of the present invention can be applied to almost any species of plants. The plants can be selected from but not limited to the following list:

[0045] - Food crops: such as cereals, including maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum species), millet (Panicum miliaceum, P. sumatrense), rice (Oryza sativa indica, Oryza sativa japonica), wheat (Triticum sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare), rye (Secale cereale), triticale (Triticum x Secale), and oats (Avena fatua);

[0046] -Leafy vegetables: such as brassicas, such as cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, rocket; salad greens, such as spinach, cress, basil and lettuce;

[0047] - Fruiting and flowering vegetables: such as avocado, sweet corn, artichoke, curcubits such as squash, cucumber, melon, watermelon, squash such as courgette, pumpkin; solononaceous vegetables / fruits such as tomato, eggplant and pepper;

[0048] -Pod-bearing vegetables: such as peanuts, peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas and okra;

[0049] -Bulb and stem vegetables: such as asparagus, celery, alliums such as garlic, onions and leeks;

[0050] -Root and tuber vegetables: such as carrots, beets, bamboo shoots, cassava, yams, ginger, Jerusalem artichokes, parsnips, radishes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro, turnips and horseradish;

[0051] -Sugar crops: such as sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) and sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum);

[0052] - Crops grown for the production of non-alcoholic beverages and stimulants: such as coffee, black, herbal and green tea, cocoa and tobacco;

[0053] - fruit crops: such as true berry fruits (e.g. kiwi, grape, black currant, gooseberry, guava, feijoa, pomegranate), citrus fruits (e.g. orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit), top fruits (e.g. banana, cranberry, blueberry), aggregate fruits (blackberry, raspberry, boysenberry), clustered fruits (e.g. pineapple, fig), stone fruit crops (e.g. apricot, peach, cherry, plum), pome fruits (e.g. apple, pear) and other fruits, such as strawberries and sunflower seeds;

[0054] -Culinary and medicinal herbs: such as rosemary, basil, bay, coriander, mint, dill, hypericum, foxglove, alovera and rose hips;

[0055] - Spicy crops and plants: such as black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, saffron, cardamom, mace, red pepper, masalas and star anise;

[0056] - Crops grown for the production of nuts and oils: such as almonds and walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, coconuts, chestnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios; peanuts, pecans, soybeans, cotton, olives, sunflowers, sesame, lupin species and Brassica crops (e.g. canola / oilseed rape);

[0057] - Crops grown for the production of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages, such as grapes and hops;

[0058] - Plants for grassland agriculture: such as leguminous plants: Trifolium species, Medicago species and Lotus species; White clover (T. repens); Red clover (T. pratense); Caucasian clover (T. ambigum); Subterranean clover (T. subterraneum); Alfalfa / Alfalfa (Medicago sativum); Annual alfalfa; Bucket alfalfa; Black alfalfa; Onobrychis viciifolia; Bird's foot clover (Lotus corniculatus); Bird's foot clover (Lotus pedunculatus);

[0059] - Pasture and amenity grasses: for example temperate grasses, such as Lolium species; Festuca species; Agrostis species, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne); hybrid ryegrass (Lolium hybridum); annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum); tall fescue (Festucaarundinacea); meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis); red fescue (Festuca rubra); fescue (Festuca ovina); fescue ryegrass (Festuloliums, a hybrid of Lolium and Festuca); Dactylis glomerata; narrow-graped bluegrass (Poa pratensis); marsh bluegrass (Poa palustris); woodland bluegrass (Poa nemoralis); common bluegrass (Poa trivialis; Poa compresa; Bromus species; Phalaris (Phleum species); Arrhenatherumelatius; Agropyron species; Avena strigosa; and Setaria italic;

[0060] - tropical grasses, such as: Phalaris species; Brachiaria species; Eragrostis species; Panicum species; Paspalum notatum; Brachypodium species;

[0061] - Grasses used for biofuel production: such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and Miscanthus species;

[0062] - Fiber crops: such as hemp, jute, coconut, sisal, flax (Linum species), New Zealand flax (Phormium species); plantation and natural forest species harvested for the production of paper products and engineered wood fiber products, such as coniferous and broadleaved forest species;

[0063] - Tree and shrub species used in plantations and biofuel crops: such as pine (Pinus species); fir (Pseudotsuga species); spruce (Picea species); cypress (Cupressus species); acacia (Acacia species); alder (Alnus species); oak species (Quercus species); redwood (Sequoia glauca) (Sequoiadendron species); willow (Salix species); birch (Betula species); cedar (Cedurus species); ash (Fraxinus species); larch (Larix species); eucalyptus (Eucalyptus species); bamboo (Bambuseae species) and poplar (Populus species);

[0064] - Plants grown for conversion into energy, biofuels or industrial products through extractive, biological, physical or biochemical processing: for example, oil-producing plants such as oil palm, jatropha and linseed;

[0065] - latex-producing plants: such as the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and the American rubber tree (Castilaelastica);

[0066] - Plants used as direct or indirect feedstock for the production of biofuels (i.e. after chemical, physical (e.g. thermal or catalytic) or biochemical (e.g. enzymatic pre-treatment) or biological (e.g. microbial fermentation) conversion in the production of biofuels, industrial solvents or chemical products (e.g. ethanol or butanol, propylene glycol or other fuels or industrial materials)), including sugar crops (e.g. sugar beet, sugar cane), starch-producing crops (e.g. C3 and C4 cereals and tubers), cellulosic crops such as forest trees (e.g. pine, eucalyptus) and gramineous and poaceous plants, such as bamboo, switchgrass, miscanthus);

[0067] - Crops for the production of energy, biofuels or industrial chemicals by gasification and / or microbial or catalytic conversion of gases into biofuels or other industrial raw materials (such as solvents or plastics), with or without the production of biochar, for example biomass crops such as conifers, eucalyptus, tropical or broad-leaved trees, cereals and Poaceous crops such as bamboo, switchgrass, miscanthus, sugarcane or hemp or softwoods such as poplar, willow;

[0068] - Biomass crops for biochar production;

[0069] - Crops producing natural products that can be used in the pharmaceutical, agro-nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries: for example, crops producing drug precursors or compounds or nutraceutical and cosmeceutical compounds and materials, such as star anise (shikimic acid), Japanese knotweed (resveratrol), kiwifruit (soluble fiber, proteolytic enzymes);

[0070] - flowering plants, ornamental plants and amenity plants grown for their aesthetic or environmental properties: for example flowers, such as roses, tulips and chrysanthemums;

[0071] - ornamental shrubs, such as Buxus, Hebe, Rosa, Rhododendron and Hedera;

[0072] - ornamental plants such as Platanus, Choisya, Escallonia, Euphorbia and Carex; and

[0073] - Plants grown for bioremediation: Helianthus, Brassica, Salix, Populus and Eucalyptus.

[0074] Plant species include, but are not limited to, corn (Zea mays), Brassica species (such as rapeseed (B. napus), turnip (B. rapa), mustard (B. juncea)), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), rice (Oryza sativa), rye (Secale graine), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum vulgare), millet (such as pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), millet (Panicum miliaceum), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), finger millet (Eleusine coracana)), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), wheat (Triticum aestivum), soybean (Glycine max), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), potato (Solanum tuberosum), peanut (Arachis hypogaea), cotton (Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium hirsutum), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus), cassava (Manihot esculenta), coffee (Cofea), coconut (Cocos nucifera), pineapple (Ananas comosus), citrus trees (Citrus species), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), tea (Camellia sinensis), bananas (Musa species), avocado (Persea americana), fig (Ficus casica), guava (Psidium guajava), mango (Mangifera indica), olive (Olea europaea), papaya (Carica papaya), cashew (Anacardiumoccidentale), macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia), almond (Prunus amygdalus), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), sugar cane (Saccharum species), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), lettuce (e.g. Lactuca sativa), green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), lima beans (Phaseolus limensis), peas (Lathyrus spp.rapa), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea), broccoli (Brassica oleracea), turnips (Brassica rapa var. rapa), radishes (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. Sativus), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), onions (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium sativum), members of the Piperaceae family such as pepper (Pipernigrum), cubeb (Piper cubeba), longum (Piper longum), retrofractum (Piper retrofractum), borbonense (Piper borbonense), and guinea longum (Piper guineense), celery (Apium Graveolens), members of the genus Cucumis such as cucumber (Cucumis sativus), cantaloupe (Cucumis cantalupensis), and cantaloupe (Cucumis melo), oats (Avena sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare), plants of the Cucurbitaceae family such as pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), squash (Cucurbitamaxima), and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo), apples (Malus domestica), pears (Pyrus species), quinces (Cydonia oblonga), plums (Prunus subg.Prunus), peach (Prunus persica), cherry (such as sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus)), nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica), apricot (such as Prunus armeniaca, Prunus brigantina, Prunus mandshurica, Prunus mume, Prunus zhengheensis, and Prunus sibirica), strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa, grape (Vitis vinifera), raspberry (Rubus), blackberry (Rubus ursinus, Rubus laciniatus, Rubus argutus, Rubus armeniacus, Rubus plicatus), elm-leaved blackberry (Rubus sibirica), ulmifolius and Allegheny blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), rapeseed (Brassica napus), clover (Syzygium aromaticum), carrot (Daucus carota), lentil (Lens culinaris), and Arabidopsis thaliana.

[0075] Mention may further be made of ornamental plant species including, but not limited to, hydrangea (Macrophylla hydrangea), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosasanensis), morning glory (Petunia hybrida), rose (Rosa species), azalea (Rhododendron species), tulip (Tulipa species), daffodil (Narcissus species), carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), and chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum); and conifer species including, but not limited to, coniferous pine trees such as thick-barked loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), swamp pine (Pinus elliotii), jack pine (Pinus ponderosa), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), and Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii); western hemlock (Tsuga canadensis; Sitka spruce (Picea glauca); redwood (Sequoia sempervirens); firs such as silver fir (Abies amabilis) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea); and cedars such as western redwood (Thuja plicata) and Alaskan yellow fir (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis).

[0076] Preferably, the plant is selected from the group consisting of: tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), watermelon (Cucurbitaceae lanatus), pepper, zucchini, cucumber, melon, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry and rose. The plant is for example a tomato.

[0077] In particular, the tomato category of interest is selected from the group consisting of long-life tomatoes, grooved tomatoes, vine tomatoes, smooth or salad tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and Roma tomatoes. Some variety examples may include Alicante, Trujillo, Genio, Cocktail, Beefsteak, Marmande, Conquista, Kumato, Adoration, Better Boy, Big Raimbow, Black Krim, Brandwyne, Campari, Canario, Tomkin, Early Girl, Garden peach, Hanover, Jersey Boy, Jubilee, Matt's Wild Cherry, Micro Tom, Montesora, Mortgage Lifter, Plum Tomato, Raf Tomato, Delizia, Roma, San Marzano, Santorini, Super Sweet 10, Tomaccio, Pear Tomato, and Yellow Pear.

[0078] Silicate

[0079] According to the invention, silicate S1 exhibits:

[0080] (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength in the range from 400 nm to 500 nm, preferably from 420 nm to 455 nm, and a second peak wavelength in the range from 550 nm to 700 nm, preferably from 590 nm to 660 nm, and

[0081] (b) an absorption at wavelengths greater than 440 nm of less than or equal to 15%, preferably less than or equal to 10%, more preferably less than or equal to 5%.

[0082] The light emission spectra can be obtained using a Jobin Yvon HORIBA fluoromax-4+ equipped with a xenon lamp and 2 monochromators (one for the excitation wavelength and one for the emission wavelength). The excitation wavelength is fixed at 370 nm and the spectra are recorded between 390 nm and 750 nm.

[0083] Absorption can be obtained from diffuse reflectance spectra. Such spectra can be recorded using a Jobin Yvon HORIBA Fluoromax-4+ spectrometer equipped with a xenon lamp and two monochromators that can work synchronously (one for the excitation wavelength and one for the emission wavelength). Regarding the product, for each given wavelength value, the reflection (R 产品 ) value (intensity) is obtained, which ultimately provides the reflection spectrum (R 产品 ) as a function of the wavelength. The first reflection (R 白色 ) spectrum of BaSO4 is recorded between 280 nm and 500 nm. The BaSO4 spectrum represents 100% light reflection (referred to as "white"). The second reflection (R 黑色 ) spectrum of carbon black is recorded between 280 nm and 500 nm. The carbon black spectrum represents 0% light reflection (referred to as "black"). The reflection (R 样品 ) spectrum of the sample is recorded between 280 nm and 500 nm. For each wavelength, the following relationship is calculated: A = 1 - R, where R is equal to (R 样品 - R 黑色 ) / (R 白色 - R 黑色 ), that is, A = (R 白色 - R 样品 ) / (R 白色 - R 黑色 ), which represents the absorption at each wavelength and provides the absorption spectrum (as a function of the wavelength).

[0084] The silicate S1 used in the present invention can be a compound containing at least barium, magnesium, and silicon. Preferably, in the silicate S1, barium and magnesium can be replaced with at least one other element, such as, for example: europium, praseodymium, and / or manganese.

[0085] The silicate S1 can especially be a compound of formula (I):

[0086] aMO.a’M’O.bM”O.b’M”’O.cSiO2 (I)

[0087] Where: M and M” are selected from the group consisting of: strontium, barium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, or a combination thereof, and M’ and M”’ are selected from the group consisting of: europium, manganese, praseodymium, gadolinium, yttrium, where 0.5 < a ≤ 3, 0.5 < b ≤ 3, 0 < a’ ≤ 0.5, 0 < b’ ≤ 0.5, and 1 ≤ c ≤ 2.

[0088] In addition to the silicate S1, the film can also contain other types of silicates, such as, for example, Ba2SiO4 (e.g., as a trace substance).

[0089] The silicate S1 can especially be a compound of formula (II):

[0090] aBaO.xEuO.cMgO.yMnO.eSiO2 (II)

[0091] Of which: 0.5 <a≤3,0<x≤0.5,0<c≤1,0<y≤0.5,1≤e≤2。

[0092] Preferably, a+b+c+d+e represents from 90% to 100%, preferably from 95% to 99%, usually exceeding or equal to 98% by weight.

[0093] In formula (II), preferably, 0.0001≤x≤0.4 and 0.0001≤y≤0.4, more preferably 0.01≤x≤0.35 and 0.04≤y≤0.15.

[0094] In the compounds of formula (II), barium, magnesium and silicon may be partially replaced by elements other than those mentioned above. Thus, barium may be partially replaced by calcium and / or strontium, up to about 30% of the replacement ratio, expressed as the atomic ratio of the replaced element / (replaced element+barium). Magnesium may be partially replaced by zinc, up to about 30% of the replacement ratio, also expressed as the atomic ratio of Zn / (Zn+Mg). Finally, silicon may be partially replaced by germanium, aluminum and / or phosphorus, up to about 10% of the replacement ratio, expressed as the atomic ratio of the replaced element / (replaced element+silicon).

[0095] Given that europium-doped barium magnesium silicate emits in the blue range, the presence of manganese as dopant makes it possible to shift the emission of this compound towards the red range. By varying the Eu / Mn ratio, the colorimetry of the emission of the additive of the invention can be adjusted.

[0096] In the silicate S1 of formula (II), barium, magnesium and silicon are preferably not replaced by elements other than europium and manganese.

[0097] The silicate S1 of formula (II) can be selected from the group consisting of:

[0098] -Ba 2.7 Eu 0.3 Mg 0.9 Mn 0.1 Si2O8,

[0099] -Ba 2.7 Eu 0.3 Mg 0.8 Mn 0.2 Si2O8,

[0100] -Ba 2.94 Eu 0.06 Mg 0.95 Mn0.05 Si2O8,

[0101] -Ba 2.9 Eu 0.1 Mg 0.95 Mn 0.05 Si2O8, and

[0102] -BaMg2Si2O7:Eu,Mn.

[0103] Silicate S1 may also correspond to a compound of formula (III):

[0104] Ba 3(1-x-y) Eu 3x Pr 3y Mg 1-z Mn z Si 2(1-3v / 2) M 3v O8 (III)

[0105] Wherein M represents aluminum, gallium or boron, and 0 <x≤0.3;0<y≤0.1;0<z≤0.3;0≤v≤0.1。

[0106] The silicate S1 used in the present invention is generally prepared by a solid-state reaction at high temperature.

[0107] As starting materials, it is possible to use the desired metal oxides directly, or to use organic or inorganic compounds capable of forming these oxides by heating, for example carbonates, oxalates, hydroxides, acetates, nitrates or borates of the metals in question.

[0108] A homogeneous mixture of all starting materials in finely divided form at appropriate concentrations is formed.

[0109] It is also conceivable to prepare the starting mixture by coprecipitation using a solution of a precursor of the desired oxide and / or a slurry of the oxide, for example in an aqueous medium.

[0110] The mixture of starting materials is then heated at least once at a temperature between about 500° C. and about 1600° C. for a period between one hour and about one hundred hours; preferably, the heating is at least partially carried out in a reducing atmosphere (e.g., hydrogen in argon) to convert the europium completely to the divalent form. Prior to the heating step, a flux such as BaF2, BaCl2, NH4Cl, MgF2, MgCl2, Li2B4O7, LiF, H3BO3 may also be added to the raw material mixture.

[0111] The silicates used in the present invention can be produced as described in WO 2004 / 044090, WO 2004 / 041963, among others.

[0112] It is also possible to produce the silicate of the invention by mixing a silica suspension and a starting material (such as a nitrate) followed by spray drying and calcination, in particular by calcination in air and / or a reducing atmosphere. Such a silicate can be produced in particular as described in WO2016 / 001219.

[0113] There is no restriction on the form, morphology, particle size or particle size distribution of the silicates thus obtained. These products may be ground, micronized, sieved and surface treated, especially with organic additives, to promote their compatibility or dispersion in the application medium.

[0114] The particles of silicate S1 are preferably such that the dispersion remains stable over a certain period of time.

[0115] The silicate S1 is preferably in the form of solid particles, such as crystalline particles, having a D50 particle size between 1 μm and 50 μm, more preferably between 2 μm and 10 μm. The silicate S1 can also be in the form of solid particles, such as crystalline particles, having a D50 particle size between 0.1 μm and 1.0 μm, preferably between 0.1 μm and 0.5 μm.

[0116] D50 has the usual meaning used in statistics. D50 corresponds to the median of the distribution. It represents the particle size such that 50% of the particles are less than or equal to the size and 50% of the particles are greater than or equal to the size. D50 is determined based on the particle size distribution (by volume) obtained with a laser diffraction particle size analyzer. A Malvern Mastersizer 3000 instrument can be used.

[0117] Matrix

[0118] According to the present invention, as matrix material, transparent light-curable polymers, thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, glass substrates or any combination of these materials can be preferably used. This matrix can be a natural or non-natural fiber, such as silk, wool, cotton or linen or alternatively rayon, nylon, polyamide, polyester and copolymers thereof. The matrix can also be an inorganic glass (silicate) or organic glass. The matrix can also be based on polymers, especially polymers of thermoplastic type. The matrix can contain at least one polymer, or the matrix can be a polymer.

[0119] As polymer materials, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polymethylpentene, polybutene, butadiene styrene polymer, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polymethacrylate styrene, styrene-acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyphenylene ether, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol, acrylonitrile polycarbonate, polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene butyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, phenol polymer, melamine polymer, urea polymer, urethane, epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester, polyallyl sulfone, polyarylate, hydroxybenzoic acid polyester, polyetherimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyester carbonate, polylactic acid, phenolic resin, silicone.

[0120] As the photocurable polymer, several kinds of (meth)acrylates can be preferably used, such as unsubstituted alkyl (meth)acrylates, such as methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate; substituted alkyl (meth)acrylates, such as hydroxyl, epoxy or halogen substituted alkyl (meth)acrylates; cyclopentenyl (meth)acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate.

[0121] The matrix material may have a melt flow index (for polyethylene) preferably in the range of 0.1 to 50 g / 10 min, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 7 g / 10 min, and in the range of 0.7 to 4 g / min (for ethyl vinyl acetate copolymers); in particular determined using an MFI instrument, the sample being preheated at 190° C. for 5 minutes and the weight used being 2.16 kg (according to ISO 1133 standard method).

[0122] As the thermosetting polymer, a known transparent thermosetting polymer can be preferably used.

[0123] As the thermoplastic polymer, the type of the thermoplastic polymer is not particularly limited. For example, natural rubber (refractive index (n) = 1.52), polyisoprene (n = 1.52), poly-1,2-butadiene (n = 1.50), polyisobutylene (n = 1.51), polybutene (n = 1.51), poly-2-heptyl-1,3-butadiene (n = 1.50), poly-2-tert-butyl-1,3-butadiene (n = 1.51), poly-1,3-butadiene (n = 1.52), polyoxyethylene (n = 1.46), polyoxypropylene (n = 1.45), Polyvinyl ethyl ether (n=1.45), polyvinyl hexyl ether (n=1.46), polyvinyl butyl ether (n=1.46), polyether, polyvinyl acetate (n=1.47), polyesters such as polyvinyl propionate (n=1.47), polyurethane (n=1.5-1.6), ethyl cellulose (n=1.48), polyvinyl chloride (n=1.54-1.55), polyacrylonitrile (n=1.52), polymethacrylonitrile (n=1.52), polysulfone (n=1.63), polysulfide (n=1. 60), phenoxy resin (n = 1.5-1.6), polyethyl acrylate (n = 1.47), polybutyl acrylate (n = 1.47), poly 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (n = 1.46), poly tert-butyl acrylate (n = 1.46), poly 3-ethoxypropyl acrylate (n = 1.47), polyoxycarbonyl tetramethacrylate (n = 1.47), polymethyl acrylate (n = 1.47-1.48), polyisopropyl methacrylate (n = 1.47), polydodecyl methacrylate (n = 1.47), polyisopropyl ... =1.47), polytetradecyl methacrylate (n=1.47), polyn-propyl methacrylate (n=1.48), poly3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl methacrylate (n=1.48), polyethyl methacrylate (n=1.49), poly2-nitro-2-methylpropyl methacrylate (n=1.49), poly1,1-diethylpropyl methacrylate (n=1.49), poly(meth)acrylates such as polymethyl methacrylate (n=1.49), or any combination of these.

[0124] As examples of thermoplastic polymers suitable for the present invention, mention may be made of: polycarbonates, such as poly[methanebis(4-phenyl)carbonate], poly[1,1-etherbis(4-phenyl)carbonate], poly[diphenylmethanebis(4-phenyl)carbonate], poly[1,1-cyclohexanebis(4-phenyl)carbonate] and polymers of the same family; polyamides, such as poly(4-aminobutyric acid), poly(hexamethylene adipamide), poly(6-aminocaproic acid), poly(m-xylylene adipamide), poly(p-xylylene sebacate) , poly(2,2,2-trimethylhexamethylene terephthalamide), poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide), poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), and polymers of the same family; polyesters, such as poly(ethylene azelaate), poly(ethylene 1,5-naphthalate), poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene oxybenzoate), poly(p-hydroxybenzoates), poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate ... Ethylene formate, polybutylene terephthalate and polymers of the same family; vinyl polymers and copolymers thereof, such as polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride; polyvinyl butyral, polyvinylidene chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and polymers of the same family; acrylic polymers, polyacrylates and copolymers thereof, such as polyethyl acrylate, poly(n-butyl acrylate), polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, poly(n-butyl methacrylate), poly(n-propyl methacrylate) and ethylene butyl acrylate copolymers, polyacrylamide, polyacrylonitrile, poly(acrylic acid), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, acrylonitrile copolymers, methyl styrene methacrylate copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymers, ABS and polymers of the same family; polyolefins, such as low density poly(ethylene), poly(propylene) and generally ethylene and propylene [α]-olefins copolymerized with other [α]-olefins such as 1-butene and 1-hexene, which can be used at up to 1%. Other comonomers used may be cyclic olefins, such as 1,4-hexadiene, cyclopentadiene and ethylidene norbornene. The copolymers may also be carboxylic acids, such as acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. Finally, mention may be made of low-density chlorinated poly(ethylene), poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), poly(ethylene) and poly(styrene).

[0125] Among these thermoplastic polymers, the most particular preference is given to polyethylene and copolymers, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene obtained by metallocene synthesis, ethyl vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), ethylene butyl acrylate copolymers (EBA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), (co)polyolefins such as polyethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polycarbonate (PC), as well as mixtures and copolymers based on these (co)polymers.

[0126] Composition

[0127] The composition used in the context of the present invention comprises at least a matrix and a silicate used according to the present invention. The silicate S1 may be dispersed in the matrix, and the film of the present invention may comprise a matrix and silicate particles dispersed in the matrix. Preferably, the silicate S1 may be dispersed in a polymer, and the film used in the present invention may comprise a polymer and silicate particles dispersed in the polymer.

[0128] The amount of silicate in the film may be in particular from 0.01% to 10% by weight, in particular from 0.1% to 5% by weight, and more particularly from 0.3% to 3% by weight, relative to the total amount of the film. Preferably, this amount is equal to 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 and 2, and any ranges consisting of these values.

[0129] The composition may optionally further comprise one or more additional inorganic fluorescent materials, in particular inorganic fluorescent materials emitting blue or red light. As additional inorganic fluorescent materials emitting blue or red light, any type of known materials can be used as desired, for example those described in Chapter 2 of Phosphor handbook (Yen, Shinoya, Yamamoto).

[0130] The composition may also contain other additives such as stabilizers, plasticizers, flame retardants, dyes, brighteners, lubricants, antiblocking agents, matting agents, processing aids, elastomers or elastomeric compositions, such as acrylic copolymers or methacrylate-butadiene styrene copolymers, for improving the flexibility or mechanical strength of the film, adhesives, such as polyolefins grafted with maleic anhydride (allowing adhesion to polyamides), dispersants (allowing a better distribution of silicates in the material), or any other additive necessary for the preparation of the structure of the multilayer thermoplastic film, especially those known and frequently used in the manufacture of greenhouse films, such as non-drip additives or anti-fogging additives, or catalysts. This list is essentially non-limiting.

[0131] Any method for obtaining a dispersion of the silicate in a matrix and in particular in a macromolecular compound of the type such as the above-mentioned polymers can be used to prepare the compositions and films used according to the invention.

[0132] The incorporation of the silicate and the optional further components into the polymer can be carried out by known methods, such as dry blending in powder form, or wet mixing in the form of a solution, dispersion or suspension (e.g. in an inert solvent, water or oil). The silicate and the optional further additives can be incorporated, for example, before or after molding, or also by applying the dissolved or dispersed additive or additive mixture to the polymer material, with or without subsequent evaporation of the solvent or suspending agent / dispersant. They can be added directly into the processing device (e.g. extruder, internal mixer), for example, as a dry mixture or powder, or as a solution or dispersion or suspension or melt.

[0133] In particular, a first process consists in mixing the silicate and other above-mentioned additives in the polymer compound in the form of a melt and optionally subjecting the mixture to high shear, for example in a twin-screw extruder, in order to achieve good dispersion. Another process consists in mixing the additives to be dispersed with the monomers in the polymerization medium and then polymerizing.

[0134] Another process is to mix a polymer prepared, for example, according to one of the above-mentioned processes with a concentrated blend (masterbatch) of dispersed additives with a polymer in melt form. The polymer used for the masterbatch and the polymer of the matrix can be of the same type, or can also be different. These two polymers are preferably compatible so as to form a uniform mixture. For example, when a polymer is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, the other polymer can be the same ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or a different polymer, or can also be a compatible polymer, such as polyethylene. The masterbatch is prepared by the same conventional technology described above, for example, it can be prepared with an extruder. The significance of using the masterbatch is that these particles can be well pre-dispersed using a mixing device that exhibits a high shear rate. Various additives (for example, crosslinking agents, auxiliary agents described above) can be present in any one of the polymers, or can be added separately.

[0135] In the process of preparing the composition in the context of the present invention, the polymer (Polymer 1) and the silicate are extruded, or the polymer (Polymer 1) and a masterbatch comprising the silicate predispersed in the polymer (Polymer 2) are extruded.

[0136] The silicate can be introduced into the synthesis medium of the macromolecular compound, or into any form of thermoplastic polymer melt. It can be introduced, for example, in the form of a solid powder, or in the form of a dispersion in water or in an organic dispersant.

[0137] The silicate compound in powder form may also be dispersed directly in the matrix, for example by stirring, or alternatively a powder concentrate may be prepared in a liquid medium or a pasty medium and then added to the matrix. The concentrate may be prepared in an aqueous or solvent medium, optionally with the addition of surfactants, water-soluble or hydrophobic polymers, or alternatively a polymer comprising a hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end (which may be polar or non-polar) required to stabilize the mixture in order to avoid its decantation. There is no restriction on the additives that may be included in the composition of the concentrate.

[0138] membrane

[0139] Greenhouse films within the context of the present invention can have various shapes, such as for example boards, flat sheets, squares, rectangles, circles, walls, arches, ovals, semicircles, shelters, protective sheets and greenhouse building materials.

[0140] The membrane used according to the invention comprises at least a matrix and a silicate S1, preferably dispersed silicate S1 particles, said silicate S1 exhibiting:

[0141] (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength in the range from 400 nm to 500 nm, preferably from 420 nm to 455 nm, and a second peak wavelength in the range from 550 nm to 700 nm, preferably from 590 nm to 660 nm, and

[0142] (b) an absorption at wavelengths greater than 440 nm of less than or equal to 20%, preferably less than or equal to 15%, more preferably less than or equal to 10%, possibly less than or equal to 5%.

[0143] The film in the present invention's situation can be used as is, or can be placed on another substrate or combined with another substrate, this other substrate is such as another film or glass.This placement or this combination can be prepared, for example, by the known method of coextrusion, lamination and coating.Multilayer structure can be formed as follows: the material used according to the present invention of one or more layers is combined to one or more thermoplastic polymers of one or more other layers through a coextrusion adhesive layer, for example polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride, this thermoplastic polymer can constitute a support component, and this support component is dominant in the construction of film.According to the known technology for converting plastics, the film obtained in this way can be by uniaxial stretching or biaxial stretching.Sheet or plate material can be cut, thermoformed or stamped to give them desired shape.

[0144] The membrane may also be coated with the above mentioned polymer or silicone based coatings (eg SiOx) or alumina or any other coating applied by plasma, web coating or electron beam coating.

[0145] The film within the context of the present invention may also be a multilayer film having at least 2 layers, formed by polymeric materials or other materials bonded together by any conventional or suitable method, including one or more of the following methods: coextrusion, extrusion coating, lamination, vapor deposition coating, solvent coating, emulsion coating and / or suspension coating. At least one layer in the multilayer film contains at least silicate S1.

[0146] Overall, the film was transparent and flexible.

[0147] The layer thickness of the film may be in the range from 50 μm to 1 mm, preferably from 100 μm to 800 μm, more preferably from 200 μm to 700 μm.

[0148] The film within the context of the present invention may exhibit a transmittance greater than or equal to 80%, preferably from 85% to 98%. The transmittance can be measured with a Gardner Haze-gard i (4775) haze meter from BYK, for example according to the ASTM D1003 standard method.

[0149] application

[0150] The invention also relates to a method for improving the floral development of a plant by providing a greenhouse film according to the invention to the plant in a growing medium with a light treatment. The invention also relates to a method for improving the floral development of a plant, wherein the floral development is stimulated by light emission provided by the greenhouse film. The invention also relates to a method for improving the floral development of a plant, wherein the plant is in a greenhouse comprising the greenhouse film.

[0151] The film may form a covering (roof, walls) of a greenhouse, protecting the plants from the surrounding environment, or the film may be used inside a greenhouse to cover or protect the plants or plant parts from influences originating from the inside, such as manual watering or spraying with herbicides and / or insecticides.

[0152] The growing medium is a well-known agronomically suitable medium in which plants can be grown. Examples include any of a variety of media containing agronomically suitable components (e.g., sand, soil, vermiculite, humus); agar gel; and any of a variety of hydroponic media, such as water, glass wool or Water and inorganic nutrients are two kinds of inputs necessary in any gardening or agricultural operation, and the application management of these materials may have a great impact on both output and quality. There are various different ways to apply these two materials, to meet plant needs. In certain embodiments, they can be applied to soil or soilless substrate (that is, coconut palm chaff (Coco coir), humus etc.), in which case soil or soilless substrate absorb water and inorganic nutrients, and serve as the reservoir of these materials. In other embodiments, they can also be supplied in a hydroponic system, which is constant and directly supplies water and inorganic nutrients by flooding, misting, dripping, wicking or directly immersing the root. Plant roots can grow directly in solution, or grow into substrate. If plant grows in substrate with hydroponic mode, it is then called "water culture based on medium". If substrate has high cation exchange capacity (and anion exchange capacity), it is typically classified as soilless production, and when substrate has little cation / anion exchange capacity or without this ability, it is then classified as water culture based on medium. Examples of hydroponic substrates include, but are not limited to, coconut fiber, vermiculite, perlite, expanded clay pellets, and rockwool (asbestos).

[0153] Light treatments, either solar or artificial, can be of sufficient intensity and duration for long-term, high-rate photosynthesis throughout the growing season. Suitable light intensities are between 400 and 2000 μmol / m 2 / s photosynthetically active radiation (400-700nm), direct sunlight usually provides sufficient light. Artificial lighting can be obtained, for example, by using LED lamps or sodium and / or mercury lamps.

[0154] Heat treatments may be applied to the plants for optimal growth, typically at temperatures comprised from 10°C to 35°C or higher.

[0155] As mentioned before, floral development encompasses inter alia the number of flowers, the number of open flowers produced by a plant, their size and / or quality, which factors lead to an increase in floral yield.

[0156] Flower development according to the invention can be understood as an increase in the number of flowers produced by the plant by at least 5%, preferably from 10% to 80%, preferably from 15% to 50%, compared to untreated plants. This can be measured, for example, per plant, per plot or per m 2 Make calculations. Flower size can include the weight, length, area, diameter, circumference, or volume of the flower.

[0157] In preferred embodiments, the increase in floral production is a net increase in floral production corresponding to the number of flowers per crop plant, the flower weight per crop plant, or the total flower yield per crop plant of at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 85%, 95%, 100%, 150%, 200% compared to the corresponding values ​​of untreated control plants.

[0158] Flower production is often expressed as total kilograms of flowers per crop plant, average kilograms of each flower per crop plant, total number of flowers per crop plant, and average number of flowers per crop plant.

[0159] The invention also relates to a method for preserving cut flowers, the method comprising: inserting the cut stem ends of one or more flowers into a preservation container, the container comprising at least a membrane, the container optionally containing a preservation liquid, the membrane comprising at least a matrix and a silicate S1. The invention also relates to a preservation container comprising at least a membrane, the membrane comprising at least a matrix and a silicate S1.

[0160] The invention thus also relates to a method for preserving cut flowers, the method comprising: inserting the severed stem ends of one or more flowers into a preservation container, the container comprising at least a membrane, the container optionally containing a preservation liquid, wherein the membrane comprises at least a matrix and a silicate S1, preferably dispersed silicate S1 particles, the silicate S1 exhibiting:

[0161] (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength in the range from 400 nm to 500 nm, preferably from 420 nm to 455 nm, and a second peak wavelength in the range from 550 nm to 700 nm, preferably from 590 nm to 660 nm, and

[0162] (b) an absorption at wavelengths greater than 440 nm of less than or equal to 20%, preferably less than or equal to 15%, more preferably less than or equal to 10%, possibly less than or equal to 5%.

[0163] The invention also relates to a storage container, in particular for preserving cut flowers, comprising at least a membrane, the membrane comprising at least a matrix and a silicate S1, preferably dispersed silicate S1 particles, said silicate S1 exhibiting:

[0164] (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength in the range from 400 nm to 500 nm, preferably from 420 nm to 455 nm, and a second peak wavelength in the range from 550 nm to 700 nm, preferably from 590 nm to 660 nm, and

[0165] (b) an absorption at wavelengths greater than 440 nm of less than or equal to 20%, preferably less than or equal to 15%, more preferably less than or equal to 10%, possibly less than or equal to 5%.

[0166] Indeed, the films used according to the invention can also allow the preservation of the freshness of cut flowers or flowers with roots by containing the cut ends or roots, stems / leaves and / or flower clusters. This can make it possible, in particular, to better preserve plants and cut flowers and to allow the consumer to enjoy the flowers longer after transport, regional wholesale and retail display by florists.

[0167] Such a sealable container comprises a film as used in the present invention, preferably the shape of the film conforms to the shape of the bouquet being packaged, such as the substantially conical shape of a plurality of bouquets. The sealable container may also comprise liquid and / or gas exchange perforations which allow gas to migrate in and / or out for gas exchange with the external environment.

[0168] Experimental Section

[0169] The present invention will now be further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

[0170] Example 1: Ba 2.7 Eu 0.3 Mg 0.9 Mn 0.1 Synthesis of Si2O8

[0171] Ba was synthesized according to the following process: 2.7 Eu 0.3 Mg 0.9 Mn 0.1 Si2O8(P1) particles:

[0172] An aqueous solution was prepared from a mixture of barium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, europium nitrate and manganese nitrate having the following composition:

[0173]

[0174] Water was added to this nitrate mixture to reach a final cation concentration of 0.27 mol / l. Fumed silica (surface area: 50 m 2 / g) suspension, wherein the Si concentration is 0.71 mol / l. The nitrate solution and the fumed silica suspension are mixed to obtain a total suspension.

[0175] The suspension was dried in a flash spray dryer with an input temperature of 350° C. and an output temperature of 140° C. The dried product was calcined at 900° C. in air for 6 hours and then at 1200° C. in an Ar / H2 (95 / 5) atmosphere for 6 hours.

[0176] The particles have a particle size of 5.2 μm. 50 .

[0177] These particles exhibit:

[0178] (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength of 438 nm and a second peak wavelength in the range of 620 nm, and

[0179] (b) Less than 10% absorption at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

[0180] Example 2: Ba 2.94 Eu 0.06 Mg 0.95 Mn 0.05 Synthesis of Si2O8

[0181] Ba was synthesized according to the following process: 2.94 Eu 0.06 Mg 0.95 Mn 0.05 Si2O8(P2) particles:

[0182] A solution was prepared from a mixture of barium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, europium nitrate and manganese nitrate having the following composition:

[0183]

[0184] Water was added to this nitrate mixture to reach a final cation concentration of 0.27 mol / l. Fumed silica (surface area: 50 m 2 / g) suspension, wherein the Si concentration is 0.71 mol / l. The nitrate solution and the fumed silica suspension are mixed to obtain a total suspension.

[0185] The suspension was dried in a flash spray dryer with an input temperature of 350° C. and an output temperature of 140° C. The dried product was calcined at 900° C. in air for 6 hours and then at 1200° C. in an Ar / H2 (95 / 5) atmosphere for 6 hours.

[0186] The particles have a particle size of 5.2 μm. 50 .

[0187] These particles exhibit:

[0188] (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength of 438 nm and a second peak wavelength in the range of 620 nm, and

[0189] (b) Less than 10% absorption at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

[0190] Example 3: Production of polymer films

[0191] This example illustrates the use of the particles of Example 1 and Example 2 in polymer films to produce Film 1 and Film 2, respectively.

[0192] A co-rotating twin-screw extruder model Prism 25D (16 mm in diameter and L / D ratio of 25, screw profile of 25.5) was used to prepare a 90 wt% ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer ( 150, commercially available from DuPont) and a masterbatch MB1 of 10 wt % silicate.

[0193] The pellets of ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer and silicate S1 were premixed in a rotary mixer for 10 minutes and then introduced into the extruder under the following conditions:

[0194] Raw material flow rate (kg / h) 1.8 Screw rotation speed (rpm) 250 Temperature(℃) 90

[0195] This gave the masterbatch MB1 in the form of pellets.

[0196] To obtain Film 1, 402 g of MB1 were mixed with 7650 g of pure ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer (representing 0.5 wt.% silicate loading in the final composition) in a rotary blender for 10 minutes and then extruded using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder Leistritz LMM30 / 34 model (diameter 34 mm and L / D ratio of 25, screw profile: L16, no degassing) equipped with a slot die (width 300 mm and thickness 450 to 500 microns). The extrusion parameters are reported in the table below:

[0197] Raw material flow rate (kg / h) 3 Screw rotation speed (rpm) 200 Extrusion temperature(℃) 90 Cooling roller temperature (℃) 10 Film output speed (m / min) 0.5 Membrane tension (N) 6

[0198] A similar film was prepared by mixing 1206 g of MB1 with 6848 g of pure ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer (representing a 1.5 wt% silicate loading in the final composition) to give Membrane 2.

[0199] The resulting film had an average thickness of 450 μm.

[0200] Film 1 had a transmittance of 90.6% and Film 2 had a transmittance of 85.7% (measured with a Gardner Haze-gardi (4775) haze meter from BYK according to ASTM D1003 standard method).

[0201] The resulting film 1 emitted a deep red color when irradiated with light of 365 nm wavelength.

[0202] The resulting film 2 emitted a deep red color when irradiated with light of a wavelength of 365 nm.

[0203] Film 0 was also produced without any particles. The resulting film 0 did not emit any color when irradiated with light of 365 nm wavelength.

[0204] Example 4: Agronomic testing

[0205] An evaluation of the agronomic behavior of tomato crops under a plastic roof in a greenhouse using films 1, 2 and 3 has been carried out.

[0206] These tests were carried out on a total area of ​​20m 2 The experiments were carried out in a specific greenhouse. This greenhouse was divided into five different cages and each cage was equipped with a plastic covering of different films on the top. This greenhouse was equipped with an active climate control system with a cooling system controlled by an automated system, where the set point temperature and cooling activation were set at 26°C. The tomato crop was planted in a substrate in coconut fiber bags. Irrigation and fertilization of the tomato crop was carried out by using a drip irrigation system with a double line of drippers at each plant and emitters every 50 cm in the same dripper stand branch. The drip irrigation device had self-compensating drippers with a unit flow rate of 3 liters / hour / dripper. The drip irrigation and fertigation system used in this experiment was automatically controlled with an irrigation unit equipped with a programmer and a tank for concentrated nutrient solution.

[0207] The field trial was conducted during the five-month winter-spring tomato growing cycle. Tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. "Trujillo Tomato") were transplanted into the greenhouse when they were more than 20 days old from germination in the nursery and had three fully developed leaves.

[0208] The plant density used was 6 plants / m 2During this trial, the tomato plants were guided using black polypropylene ropes attached vertically to the wire structure of the greenhouse. The total duration of the tomato growing cycle was 131 days.

[0209] Before transplanting the tomato crop, 3 different plastic films were installed in the greenhouse. Different plastic films were installed on the top of each cage so that each cage in the greenhouse was a different experimental treatment. Each experimental treatment (cage) had six plants. The experimental treatments evaluated were distributed in the greenhouse in blocks.

[0210] Throughout the test, the air temperature was continuously controlled using a cooling system which activated when the set point temperature of 26°C was exceeded by exhausting air from the outside of the treatment into the inside of the treatment, thereby renewing the air and reducing the air temperature.

[0211] Different parameters were measured at seven different moments during the development of the tomato crop.

[0212] In each measurement, six tomato plants per treatment were evaluated. The parameters measured were: base diameter of the stem, length of the plant, number of developed leaves, number of open flowers. The number of open flowers was counted every two weeks during four consecutive months. Pollination of the flowers was performed by a manual system of flower vibration.

[0213] The yield harvested at each harvest (during 4 harvests) was characterized by measuring the number of flowers in each experimental treatment. This characterization was performed on each plant in a group of six plants per experimental treatment.

[0214] The results are reported in Table 1 below:

[0215] Table 1

[0216]

[0217] nm = not measured

[0218] It thus appears that the use of specific silicates in greenhouse films according to the invention allows to improve the floral development of plants compared to films which do not comprise any silicates.

Claims

1. Use of silicate S1 in greenhouse films for improving the flower development of plants, wherein the film comprises at least a matrix and silicate S1, wherein: The silicate S1 is a compound of formula (II): aBaO.xEuO.cMgO.yMnO.eSiO2(II) Where: 0 <a≤3,0<x≤0.5,0<c≤1,0<y≤0.5,0<e≤2; The silicate S1 exhibits: (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength in the range from 420 nm to 455 nm and a second peak wavelength in the range from 590 nm to 660 nm, and (b) Absorption less than or equal to 20% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

2. The use according to claim 1, wherein The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 15% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

3. The use according to claim 1, wherein The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 10% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

4. The use according to claim 1, wherein The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 5% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

5. The use according to claim 1, wherein In formula (II): 0.0001≤x≤0.4 and 0.0001≤y≤0.

4.

6. The use according to claim 1, wherein In formula (II): 0.01≤x≤0.35 and 0.04≤y≤0.

15.

7. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein In formula (II), the barium, the magnesium and the silicon are not replaced with elements other than europium and manganese.

8. The use according to claim 1, wherein The compound of formula (II) is Ba 2.7 Eu 0.3 Mg 0.9 Mn 0.1 Si2O8.

9. The use according to claim 1, wherein The compound of formula (II) is Ba 2.94 Eu 0.06 Mg 0.95 Mn 0.05 Si2O8.

10. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The amount of silicate S1 in the film is from 0.01 wt % to 10 wt % relative to the total amount of the film.

11. The use according to claim 10, wherein The amount of silicate S1 in the film is from 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % relative to the total amount of the film.

12. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The silicate S1 is in the form of solid particles having a particle size D50 of between 1 μm and 50 μm.

13. The use according to claim 12, wherein The silicate S1 is in the form of solid particles having a D50 particle size between 2 μm and 10 μm.

14. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The silicate S1 is in the form of solid particles having a D50 particle size between 0.1 μm and 1.0 μm.

15. The use according to claim 14, wherein The silicate S1 is in the form of solid particles having a D50 particle size between 0.1 μm and 0.5 μm.

16. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The matrix comprises at least one polymer, or wherein the matrix is ​​a polymer.

17. The use according to claim 16, wherein The matrix is ​​based on a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and copolymers.

18. The use according to claim 17, wherein The polyethylene and copolymers are selected from low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene obtained by metallocene synthesis, ethyl vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene butyl acrylate copolymer (EBA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polycarbonate (PC).

19. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The plant is selected from the group consisting of tomato, watermelon, pepper, zucchini, cucumber, melon, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry and rose.

20. A film for improving floral development of plants comprising at least a matrix and a silicate S1, wherein the silicate S1 is a compound of formula (II): aBaO.xEuO.cMgO.yMnO.eSiO2(II) in: 0 <a≤3,0<x≤0.5,0<c≤1,0<y≤0.5,0<e≤2; And the silicate S1 exhibits: (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength in the range from 420 nm to 455 nm and a second peak wavelength in the range from 590 nm to 660 nm, and (b) Absorption less than or equal to 20% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

21. The film according to claim 20, wherein The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 15% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

22. The film of claim 20, wherein The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 10% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

23. The film of claim 20, wherein The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 5% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

24. A method for improving floral development of plants, wherein the floral development is stimulated by light emission provided by a greenhouse film; said film comprising at least a matrix and a silicate S1, wherein said silicate S1 is a compound of formula (II): aBaO.xEuO.cMgO.yMnO.eSiO2(II) in: 0 <a≤3,0<x≤0.5,0<c≤1,0<y≤0.5,0<e≤2; And the silicate S1 exhibits: (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength in the range from 420 nm to 455 nm and a second peak wavelength in the range from 590 nm to 660 nm, and (b) Absorption less than or equal to 20% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein: The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 15% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein: The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 10% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein: The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 5% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

28. A method for improving floral development of a plant, wherein the plant is in a greenhouse comprising a greenhouse film; said film comprising at least a matrix and a silicate S1, wherein said silicate S1 is a compound of formula (II): aBaO.xEuO.cMgO.yMnO.eSiO2(II) in: 0 <a≤3,0<x≤0.5,0<c≤1,0<y≤0.5,0<e≤2; And the silicate S1 exhibits: (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength in the range from 420 nm to 455 nm and a second peak wavelength in the range from 590 nm to 660 nm, and (b) Absorption less than or equal to 20% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein: The silicate S1 exhibits (b) an absorption lower than or equal to 15% at a wavelength greater than 440 nm.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein: The silicate S1 exhibits (b) an absorption lower than or equal to 10% at a wavelength greater than 440 nm.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein: The silicate S1 exhibits (b) an absorption lower than or equal to 5% at a wavelength greater than 440 nm.

32. A method for preserving cut flowers, the method comprising: The cut stem ends of one or more flowers are inserted into a storage container, which comprises at least a membrane, and which optionally contains a storage liquid, wherein the membrane comprises at least a matrix and a silicate S1, wherein the silicate S1 is a compound of formula (II): aBaO.xEuO.cMgO.yMnO.eSiO2(II) Where: 0 <a≤3,0<x≤0.5,0<c≤1,0<y≤0.5,0<e≤2; And the silicate S1 exhibits: (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength in the range from 420 nm to 455 nm and a second peak wavelength in the range from 590 nm to 660 nm, and (b) Absorption less than or equal to 20% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein: The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 15% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein: The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 10% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein: The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 5% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

36. A storage container comprising at least a film, the film comprising at least a matrix and a silicate S1, wherein the silicate S1 is a compound of formula (II): aBaO.xEuO.cMgO.yMnO.eSiO2(II) in: 0 <a≤3,0<x≤0.5,0<c≤1,0<y≤0.5,0<e≤2; And the silicate S1 exhibits: (a) light emission having a first peak wavelength in the range from 420 nm to 455 nm and a second peak wavelength in the range from 590 nm to 660 nm, and (b) Absorption less than or equal to 20% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

37. The storage container according to claim 36, wherein: The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 15% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

38. The storage container according to claim 36, wherein The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 10% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

39. The storage container according to claim 36, wherein: The silicate S1 exhibits an absorption lower than or equal to 5% at wavelengths greater than 440 nm.

Images