All-purpose removable shading also effective in thin layers

Improved Eclipse LD:

Eclipse LD is a standard liquid screening solution for many crops. It blocks all wavelengths to an equal degree and protects crops throughout the whole season against excessive light and heat. The improved formulation, available since this season, is more wear resistant in thinner layers than alternative products on the market. This is particularly beneficial for light sensitive crops that in the early spring need just a small amount of protection.

Eclipse LD is a commonly used product for horticultural crops around the world. Trials in the Sudlac laboratory in Echirolles, France, have shown that the improved formulation, particularly when applied in thinner layers has better resistance to wear and tear. The well-known product characteristics remain unchanged. The coating blocks all wavelengths – UV, PAR light and infrared radiation (IR) – to the same degree. The required number of buckets of Eclipse LD are diluted with water. After the season, the coating is easy to remove with the cleaning substance Topclear.

Variable thickness of layer

The amount of reflection depends on the thickness of the layer applied. The minimum thickness of a layer is achieved with 10 buckets Eclipse LD per ha. This thickness is often used in moderate climates for heat and light sensitive crops such as cut flowers and for the propagation of plant material. The improved Eclipse LD is, particularly at these higher dilutions, more wear resistant than before.

The maximum number of buckets that can be sprayed on 1 hectare is 30. Anything higher than this would result in the spray solution usually being too thick to spray properly so it is recommended to spray on a second layer to achieve the desired level of protection. Thicker layers are often used in moderate climates for shade-loving crops such as potted plants.

The thickness of the layer, and therefore the number of buckets to use, depends on the climate, the crop that needs to be protected, and the moment of application. The latter is also dependent on the desired actual period of shading. The thicker the layer the longer it remains. Users can find more information about the number of buckets to use from our product advice tool.

Application, a few tips

Eclipse LD is very suitable for spraying using your own equipment. It is important to apply Eclipse LD as uniformly as possible to the surface. Excess run-off should be avoided as the product that ends up in the gutter will not be on the roof and therefore reduce the level of shading.

Some tips:

• Spray during ‘quick-drying’ conditions in the morning: It takes longer for a layer to dry during wet and cold weather. The best weather conditions are sunshine, when the temperature is above 10ºC and little wind. Make sure the surface is dry at time of application.
• Check the weather forecast for the chance of precipitation, also for the rest of the day. If it rains on the day of application it’s possible that the still insufficiently dried solution will wash away.
• Do not spray when it’s windy. During wind the spray is blown into the surroundings resulting in unnecessary loss of the spray solution.
• In many countries it is common practice to mechanically apply the coating using a spray-boom. In the Netherlands there is a network of specialised contractors. Mechanical application is faster and more accurate. The result is also better.