UV boosting plant defenses - Innovative ultraviolet lamps to stimulate natural defense mechanisms of plants

BACKGROUND

Reducing risks for human health and the environment is a major issue. The “EcoPhyto Plan” was launched by the French Government to reduce the use of pesticides in France by half by 2025 while maintaining high yields as well as high quality of agricultural produces.

Farmers need new efficient methods to control pests and diseases of crops while reducing the use of pesticides.

HOW IT WORKS

The technology is a highly effective physical method for stimulating the plant defense mechanisms based on very short exposure times with innovative UV lamps.

The new UV lamps maximize UV positive effects and show higher efficacy than continuous lighting at similar doses.

KEY BENEFITS

Very fast and efficient treatment,
Environmentally safe and absence of toxic residues on crops,
Very suitable for field application,
Possible application from seed to post harvest,
Systemic effect: no need to treat the entire plant,
Versatile method: broad range of pathosystems,
Favorable regulatory environment: no specific approval is required,
No problem of formulation,
Physical method compatible with chemical or biological treatments
 

DEVELOPMENT STATUS

Ongoing technological program to develop a demonstrator for testing on various pathosystems

APPLICATIONS

Stimulation of defenses of plants as well as plant organs: in natural environments, open-field conditions, greenhouses, parks, post-harvest facilities