Method to improve crop yield and/or quality

The method as claimed in any one of the above claims including exposing the plant seedling to UV light in the range of 2-15 days.

The method as claimed in any one of the above claims including exposing the plant seedling to cyclic exposure of UV light.

The method as claimed in any one of the above claims including maintaining the temperature at approximately between 12° C. to 35° C. during the treatment.

The method as claimed in any one of the above claims including exposure to UV wavelength of between 280-305 nm.

The method as claimed in any one of the above claims including exposure to peak UV wavelength of between 280-290 nm.

The method as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the plant seedling is a fruit and vegetable species.

The method as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein the plant seedling is selected from the group including green lettuce, red lettuce, tomato, cucumber, broccoli, herb crops and eggplant.

A device to administer ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to a plant seedling, characterised in that the device is configured to administer ultraviolet (UV) irradiation with at least one wavelength only between 280-310 nm.

A method of improving long term hardiness and/or crop yield and/or crop quality characterised by the steps of

• a) exposing a plant seedling or seedlings, prior a subsequent growth phase, with ultraviolet (UV) light with at least one wavelength, only between about 280-310 nm
• b) selecting a plant seedling or seedlings for a subsequent growth phase.

A method of treating a plant seedling substantially as herein described or illustrated within the Examples and Figures of the Best Modes Section.

A plant seedling, plant or harvestable crop substantially as herein described or illustrated within the Examples and Figures of the Best Modes Section.