UV-C radiation is emerging as a promising tool for the control of powdery mildew in strawberry cultivation, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical treatments. During periods of high disease pressure, growers have sometimes needed to spray against powdery mildew every five days, a practice that can contribute to resistance development and increase the risk of residues on harvested produce.
Research has shown that three nightly UV-C treatments per week at 90 J/m² can provide effective control of powdery mildew in strawberries without damaging the plants or biological control agents. Trials indicate that UV-C applications are most effective when carried out between one hour before sunset and three hours before sunrise.
The technology is particularly attractive because it can be applied using fully autonomous robots, making treatments both labour-saving and safe. In many situations, the UV-C strategy can be used without chemical spraying against powdery mildew, creating opportunities for residue-free cultivation.
Although the results are encouraging, additional chemical treatments may still be required during periods of very high powdery mildew pressure. Nevertheless, an increasing number of growers are adopting UV-C technology as part of their disease management programmes.
UV-C radiation is expected to become an important component of integrated pest management (IPM) in strawberry production. However, some technical challenges remain, and not all farms currently have the conditions needed for autonomous robots to operate effectively. As developments continue, growers and researchers see strong potential for UV-C technology to contribute to more sustainable and efficient disease control in horticultural crops.
