Plants naturally produce a gas called Ethylene and aids in the growth and development of the crop. However, too much ethylene can damage the plants and affect marketability. Some causes of ethylene are decaying foliage, ripening fruit and stressed plants.
Other sources of ethylene gas are blowers, trimmers and carts with combustion engines, propane powered forklifts, heating systems, vent stacks and fuel lines which have leaks.
It is quite common when there are high levels of ethylene gas, there is also a high concentration of carbon monoxide, which can create a dangerous condition to humans working inside the greenhouse.
Gases Detected
- Ethylene
- Carbon Monoxide