The advantages of diffuse light in horticultural production have been long debated, and there’s now increasing evidence that using light diffusing technologies in a greenhouse can give

production advantages that include yield increases in edible crops and reduced time to market and quality improvements.

We are all familiar with the difference between direct light and diffuse light through our everyday experience with daylight.Direct light conditions occur when the sky is clear, whereas diffuse light occurs when the sky is cloudy and overcast. The characteristics of diffuse light are the uniform, almost shadow free light we get under an overcast sky. This is in contrast to the harsher light and shade conditions that occur in bright sunlight.

Diffuse light is quite simply a scattering of direct light using a diffusing material. The different light diffusing technologies that can be used in a greenhouse are:

1. Permanent coatings and surface treatments on glass and other glazing materials.

2. Temporary spray-applied glazing coatings for seasonal use.

3. Retractable screens.