Scientists at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida (USA), together with researchers at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Cornell University and Norwegian experts, are working on a unique machine that uses ultraviolet light to control plant diseases and pests at night.

The main objective of the created apparatus is to prevent the defeat of strawberries by powdery mildew.

Scientists said that ultraviolet lamps are now widely used for microbiological sterilization and water purification, but have not yet been used to suppress plant pathogens.

Studies over three seasons have shown that exposure to plants with ultraviolet light, applied once or twice a week, showed the same effect as the use of the best available fungicides to control powdery mildew.

New technology has been tested on the UF / IFAS Gulf Coast REC strawberry fields and on Wish Farms in Duet, Florida.

Similar tests are carried out to protect grapes, hops, cucumbers.

The study was supported by grants from the USDA and the Norwegian Research Council and state and regional product groups.