Green transition in plant protection

Powdery mildew (Podosphaera aphanis) and grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) are among the most economically harmful diseases in plant production systems worldwide. The most common strategy to control powdery mildew and grey mould is the application of fungicides. Frequent use of fungicides is costly and has negative impacts on the environment and human health. Ultraviolet-C radiation (UVC) has effective antimicrobial properties. The aim of the project is to develop an alternative method for the use of fungicides. Low doses of UVC are used to reduce powdery mildew and grey mould on strawberry leaves and fruits during growing season. The experiments will be conducted in a tunnel strawberry culture in Suonenjoki, in collaboration with the Berry Know-How Centre/the development company SavoGrow and The University of Eastern Finland.