LightScout UV Meter
[SP03414F]

Monitor critical UV radiation. This portable, hand-held meter measures the UV photon flux in the wavelength range of 250 and 400 nanometers in units of µmol m^-2 s^-1 (micromoles of photons per square meter per second).

High levels of UV light can be detrimental to plants. Use this meter to determine the UV filtering capacity of greenhouse shades and glass barriers. Includes one 9-volt battery. (Image is of previous model meter)

•  Monitor critical UV radiation (250-400 nm) with this handheld meter
•  Determine UV filtering capacity of greenhouse shades and glass barriers
•  Range is 0-200.0 µmol·m-2·s-1 (full sunlight)

Plants can suffer from sunburn; exposure to radiation in the mid-ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum (UV-B) triggers stress responses, inhibition of photosynthesis and DNA damage. As an initial defense, plants produce and accumulate UV-B-absorbing chemical sunscreens, such as flavonoids and sinapate esters, to block low-dosage UV-B.

A UV meter can help detect if your plants are being exposed to high levels of detrimental UV radiation, and to check the effectiveness of UV filtering materials. In general, a UV meter will measure the quantity of light in the 250-400nm range. Specific meters are also available for individual UV ranges.

UV-C light (200-280nm) can kill your plants. Fortunately, it is absorbed by ozone in the stratosphere.
UV-B light (280-315nm) is harmful as well and can cause plant color to fade.

UV-A light can be subdivided into two bands. The 315-380nm band has no effect on plant growth, while the 380-400nm band begins the range for photosynthesis.)