Abstract: The present application is directed to systems and methods for logistical management of a cargo shipment. An exemplary method comprises receiving input data related to the cargo. An analysis of the input data may then be performed, and a logistical or movement protocol for the cargo shipment may be modified based on the results of the input data analysis. Various embodiments of the methods may also include comparing the input data to at least one predetermined standard and modifying the logistical or movement protocol if the input data deviates from the standard by at least a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary methods for increasing crop yield. One exemplary method for increasing a yield of a crop includes controlling plant tissue stress by at least partially coating a plant tissue with a composition comprising an agricultural sunscreen formulation and a second agricultural chemical. The agricultural sunscreen formulation and the second agricultural chemical may be applied to the plant tissue from separate containers, wherein each container either contains the agricultural sunscreen formulation or the second agricultural chemical. Further, the agricultural sunscreen formulation and the second agricultural chemical may be applied to the crop at or near the same time. Alternatively, the agricultural sunscreen formulation and the second agricultural chemical may be applied to the crop from a shared container, wherein the shared container contains both the agricultural sunscreen formulation and the second agricultural chemical.

Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary methods for increasing crop yield. One exemplary method for increasing a yield of a crop includes controlling plant tissue stress by at least partially coating a plant tissue with a composition comprising an agricultural sunscreen formulation and a second agricultural chemical. The agricultural sunscreen formulation and the second agricultural chemical may be applied to the plant tissue from separate containers, wherein each container either contains the agricultural sunscreen formulation or the second agricultural chemical. Further, the agricultural sunscreen formulation and the second agricultural chemical may be applied to the crop at or near the same time. Alternatively, the agricultural sunscreen formulation and the second agricultural chemical may be applied to the crop from a shared container, wherein the shared container contains both the agricultural sunscreen formulation and the second agricultural chemical.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a distributed networked ozonation system for ozonation of storage rooms containing fresh or perishable products, and also may be useful in other applications involving multiple ozonated zones. An exemplary embodiment uses a set of distributed ozone generators connected to a communication network. An exemplary ozone generator comprises an ozone sensor, an ozone-generating cell, and a controller, and also may comprise an air cooling unit with an ozone destruct air filter, so that the generator may be placed within an ozonated environment. The ozone level of the storage area may be under closed-loop feedback control. The controller may communicate with other controllers at the same site and with a site controller, which in turn may communicate with a remote controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides optically selective coatings for plant tissues, such as agricultural products. The coatings are designed to transmit a desired spectrum of light, while preventing harmful intensities of radiation in given wavelength ranges from damaging the plant tissues. For example, a coating may be tailored to perform as a low-pass filter preferentially allowing shorter wavelengths to penetrate the coating, a high-pass filter preferentially passing longer wavelengths, or a band-pass filter, preferentially passing visible light to the plant tissues while minimizing the penetration of ultraviolet and infrared light. An exemplary embodiment comprises making an optically selective coating by determining a desired transmission spectrum for the coating, then calculating the film properties (such as thickness, particle size, and/or index of refraction, for example) of one or more materials to obtain the desired transmission spectrum for the film to be applied to the surface to be protected.

Abstract: A method is provided for packaging harvested plant tissues, such as agricultural products. Embodiments of the present invention mitigate damage to harvested plant tissues due to excessive ripening and spoilage, by contacting the plant tissues with ozone during transportation and storage. For example, in some embodiments harvested plant tissues are placed in substantially closed modified atmosphere packages, and the packages are surrounded by an atmosphere containing ozone. In alternative embodiments, the packaging may be perforated, and the packages placed in a controlled atmosphere that contains ozone. Harvested plant tissues may be treated with ozone before packaging further to promote their freshness. The present invention thus increases the longevity and value of harvested plant tissues beyond the abilities of currently available packaging methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved packaging for harvested plant tissues, such as agricultural products. In some embodiments harvested plant tissues are placed in a package that contains either at least one hole, or a gas-permeable patch. The hole or patch is in turn covered by an adjustable aperture. The present invention improves available packaging methods by providing an additional level of control over the gas composition inside the package. Some embodiments of the present invention also mitigate damage to harvested plant tissues by contacting the plant tissues with ozone during transportation and storage. In some embodiments, harvested plant tissues are treated with ozone before packaging. The present invention also reduces costs by enabling the same package or kind of package to be used for different contents that have different atmospheric requirements for optimal protection from excessive ripening and spoilage.