UVC technology for control of strawberry diseases

Powdery mildew (Podosphaera aphanis) is the most common disease causing crop losses and reduced crop quality in tunnel farming of strawberry. Depending on the growth conditions of the growing season, the disease may start spreading already in mid-summer. The disease is controlled by using fungicides which have negative impacts on environment and human health, and which have been severely restricted in their use. UVC radiation can be used to control spreading of fungal diseases in plant production systems. The aim of the project is to develop an alternative method for the use of fungicides.

The innovation group that has been established includes Luke, Kehitysyhtiö SavoGrow Oy, a commercial strawberry farm and a company that designs and manufactures led luminaires. During 2022-2024, the group will develop a prototype of an automatic, UVC-based devise that can be used under tunnel conditions to control powdery mildew. The stakeholder group that can benefit from the results of the project include strawberry producers, enterprises using strawberries, consumers, and high-tech companies.