UVH

UVH for vines

Powdery mildew is one of the most persistent diseases in the vineyard. UVH suppresses the fungus with light and stimulates the vine's own defences – without chemicals.

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Research and practice

UV light against mildew in the vineyard

80–100 %
of mildew spores no longer germinate after irradiation
−70 %
powdery mildew sporulation on treated leaves
−75 %
downy mildew with treatment twice a week
1–2×
a week at night: kept powdery mildew in Chardonnay as low as fungicides
Infestation without and with UV light (untreated = 100)

Untreated With UV light

Why at night?

The fungus repairs UV damage with the help of daylight. That is why we treat the crop at night. In the dark the fungus cannot repair the UV damage and has to wait for daylight. During this time the UV light takes effect.

Sources →

Why light in viticulture

In wet years vines need many treatments. That weighs on the soil, the budget and the work schedule, and organic growers have few products to choose from.

After a UVH treatment, the vine produces more of its own defence substances, which stop fungi from spreading.

Suitable crops

What UVH is used against in vineyards

Powdery mildew
The fungus lives on the surface of leaves and bunches, where the light reaches it directly.
Downy mildew
This fungus grows inside the leaf and is harder to reach. Here UVH supports the vine's defences but does not replace the treatment.

Using UVH in vines

In viticulture, pests sit on top of and underneath the leaves. Air is drawn through the plants: the leaves move and the UVH also reaches the undersides of the leaves and the inside of the plant. Pests are sucked off and shredded in the fan. Without chemicals.

Is UVH right for your farm?

Tell us which crops you grow and on how much land. We will reply with an assessment.

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