Green transition in plant protection

Powdery mildew (Podosphaera aphanis) and grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) are among the most economically damaging diseases in crop production systems worldwide. The most common strategy for controlling powdery mildew and grey mould is the use of fungicides. Frequent use of fungicides is costly and has negative impacts on the environment and human health. Ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation has effective antimicrobial properties. The aim of the project is to develop an alternative method for the use of fungicides. Low doses of UVC will be used nightly to reduce powdery mildew and grey mould on strawberry leaves and fruits during the growing season. The experiments will be carried out in a tunnel strawberry crop in Suonenjoki in collaboration with the SavoGrow and the Unversity of Eastern Finland.