Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)
TITLE	Microwave Protection of Plants from Cold [PDF]
AUTHORS	R. G. Bosisio and N. Barthakur 1969 4 3 190-193
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Abstract One per cent reflection and 85% transmission coefficients have been measured for wax bean leaves (Phaseolus vulgaris) at 915 MHz, Microwave radiation has been successfully used to protect wax bean plants from freezing temperatures over extended periods of time. Microwave radiation of intensity 15 mW/cm² at 2450 MHz raised the leaf temperature to 25°C from an environmental cold chamber temperature of -5°C. The plants remained healthy and fresh after removal to normal room temperatures. We expect that a microwave radiation intensity of a few milliwatts per square centimeter will suffice to protect most vegetation against normal frost. The single largest economic factor to overcome is the capital cost as the percentage operating time is expected to be small. However, the economic aspects are improved if one considers a model farm where microwave energy is also used for drying and curing.