A new system to fight frost on plants incorporates radio frequency technology. The radiant heating system, developed by Raytheon Technology, serves as a more efficient way to heat crops and prevent frost. Without heating the air between it and the plants, the Tempwave system delivers energy to the plants via radio waves.

The system works in both advection and radiation freezing, and the system itself works extremely well; It makes no noise, does not emit smoke, does not use water, and, unlike a wind machine, does not rely on environmental conditions for effectiveness. According to Lee Silvestre, vice president Mission Innovation for Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems, “Tempwave autonomously and precisely delivers energy directly where it’s needed to prevent freezing.”

Tempwave was tested on citrus crops in California and displayed successful results. It provided the needed intensity and the correct coverage to be effective in preventing frost in the orange groves. The findings need to be confirmed by a objective third party scientific study, but these are certainly promising trials.

Discussion Question: How would the benefits of Tempwave positively affect farmers? Would Tempwave be more cost-effective in the North or the South?

News Article: http://www.seeddaily.com/reports/Raytheon_Technology_Protects_Crops_From_Frost_999.html