Disease and pest control with UVH – without chemicals
Request a consultationThe devices of Häfliger Technology AG protect berries, fruit, vines and vegetables – without chemicals.
All 3 devices work with UVH: one with light only, one combined with an air flow and one combined with a very fine mist.
At night the light suppresses fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and the build-up of spider mites. The air flow sucks off pests such as whiteflies and aphids. No residues are left on the plant.
More about Häfliger Technology AG- Years of experience
- 25+
- Locations in Switzerland
- 6
What UVH is
UVH is a method that exposes crops to short-wave ultraviolet light in the UV-C range, between 100 and 280 nanometres. The light source is guided close over the crop – mounted on a tractor or on a self-propelled machine.
This radiation does not reach the ground in sunlight because the atmosphere filters it out. Many fungi and mites are therefore barely protected against it. The plant tolerates the short, precisely dosed treatment.
- wavelength of short-wave UV light
- 100–280nm
- treatments a week worked as well as fungicides in trials
- 3×
- of spider mite eggs hatched after treatment (untreated: 66 %)
- 2%
- Crop protection treatments saved, e.g. in a strawberry crop
- 4
How the treatment works
The light hits the pathogen
UVH damages the genetic material of fungal spores and mite eggs on leaves and fruit. This slows their development and reproduction.
Darkness prevents the repair
Many pathogens repair this damage with the help of daylight. That is why the unit runs after sunset: at night the damage stays.
The plant strengthens its defences
The light stimulus prompts the plant to produce its own protective compounds. This can make it more resistant to new infection.
UVH works best preventively and at regular intervals. It is one part of integrated crop protection and does not replace every other measure.
“We rely on proven, environmentally friendly products and modern, sustainable technology. Our services combine craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability – for clean results that last.”
Häfliger Technology AGThe unit
The UVH unit is available as a tractor-mounted implement and as a self-propelled machine. The light sources sit under a hood that directs the light onto the crop and shields it from the outside.
For the best possible control of diseases, fungi and pests, all 3 applications – UVH, air and mist – can be combined thanks to the configuration of our own specially developed devices.
Is UVH right for your farm?
Tell us which crops you grow and on how much land. We will reply with an assessment.