Innovation in the Field: Protection Against Extreme Sunlight

With climate change intensifying and solar radiation increasing in many agricultural regions of Brazil, protecting crops has become more urgent than ever. In response, Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) launched a groundbreaking solution: a plant sunscreen designed to minimize sun damage, optimize water use, and enhance agricultural productivity.

Developed by scientists from Embrapa Meio Ambiente in collaboration with other branches of the institution, the product has generated high expectations among fruit and vegetable producers, especially in Brazil’s hotter and drier regions.

How Does the Plant Sunscreen Work?

The product is made from mineral-based, natural, and non-toxic particles that create a reflective physical barrier on plant leaves and fruits. This layer reduces the absorption of harmful solar radiation, particularly UV rays during peak sunlight hours.

Additionally, the sunscreen helps stabilize plant temperature, reducing heat stress and minimizing evapotranspiration (water loss through leaves). This leads to better water retention and less irrigation demand.

It is applied through foliar spraying, similar to standard pesticides, but without the harmful chemical effects.

Key Benefits of Embrapa’s Plant Sunscreen

1. Reduction of Sunburn Damage
   Sensitive crops such as apples, mangoes, grapes, lemons, and guavas often suffer from sunburn-related blemishes and tissue death. The sunscreen significantly reduces such occurrences.

2. Increased Productivity
   By lowering plant stress and protecting fruit quality, farmers report better fruit uniformity, higher yields, and reduced harvest losses.

3. Water Efficiency
   UV protection also helps conserve internal water in plants. Embrapa studies show up to a 20% reduction in irrigation needs, especially beneficial in water-scarce areas.

4. Safety and Sustainability
   The product is natural, contaminant-free, and environmentally safe, making it suitable for organic farming, provided certification guidelines are followed.

Field Test Results: Promising Data

Trials in mango orchards in Brazil’s semi-arid northeast and apple orchards in the south showed:

• Up to 70% reduction in sunburn damage

• Better fruit color, weight, and firmness

• Average 15% increase in total yield

• Improved leaf water retention during peak heat

These results were supported by Embrapa studies in partnership with universities and local producers.

Practical Use in the Field

The sunscreen is suited for a range of crops, particularly those heavily exposed to sunlight, including:

• Fruit crops (apple, grape, mango, peach, guava, persimmon)

• Vegetables (tomato, lettuce, bell pepper)

• Permanent crops (coffee, citrus)

It should be applied preventively during periods of high solar exposure. The product remains effective for up to 15 days and can be reapplied as needed, without harming photosynthesis.

Accessible Technology for Small Farmers

Another highlight from Embrapa is the product’s affordability, making it accessible to small and mid-sized farmers. Using widely available Brazilian raw materials—such as clay minerals and carbonates—keeps the cost per treated hectare low compared to international solutions.

Its ease of use and compatibility with existing management systems make it practical even for farms with limited mechanization.

A Step Forward Against Climate Change

This innovation aligns with the pressing need for agriculture to adapt to a changing climate. High temperatures, prolonged droughts, and intense solar radiation threaten global crop productivity.

As a climate mitigation tool, the plant sunscreen helps producers reduce the negative effects of environmental stress, supporting economic resilience and food security.

Expansion Plans and Future Outlook

The product is undergoing licensing for large-scale industrial production, with market availability expected in the coming months.

Embrapa is also developing variants with longer-lasting effects and crop-specific formulas, such as for coffee and sugarcane.

International partnerships are exploring adaptation for export to tropical countries in Latin America and Africa.

Conclusion

Embrapa’s development of a plant sunscreen showcases how science and technology can meet modern agricultural challenges. This innovation offers a sustainable, cost-effective way to protect crops, reduce losses, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

By shielding plants like we shield our skin, the agricultural sector gains productivity, sustainability, and a more secure future.

Source: Embrapa Portal

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Image credit to Ruan Richard Rodrigues on Unsplash