A UVC machine designed for treating fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases in greenhouse-grown crops has emerged as a promising alternative to chemical applications, aiming to reduce pesticide reliance and increase consumer safety.
The innovative UVC machine, developed by researchers at Akdeniz University, utilizes an efficient system powered by standard battery carts that enables it to navigate along heating pipes within greenhouses. Equipped with eight UVC lamps—four on each side—the machine offers a tailored approach to crop disease management by allowing independent control of lamp power, ensuring precise UVC exposure doses between 5 to 100 mJ/cm², adaptable based on specific treatment requirements.
Implementing this technology responds directly to the pressing need for alternative disease control methods, especially given that in 2022, 4.9% of EU-marketed products exceeded Maximum Residue Limits (MRL). This situation has intensified pressure on farmers to seek ecologically viable solutions. UVC light, recognized for its antimicrobial properties, offers a chemical-free option to effectively combat pathogens, thereby conserving the environment.
The UVC machine represents a significant advancement in greenhouse technology, leveraging robust logistics equipped with three 24 V, 350 W electric motors and sophisticated remote control capabilities. Powered by four 12 V, 95 Ah batteries, the machine can operate autonomously, with battery charging taking approximately 24 hours.
According to the research, the UVC machine is capable of delivering UVC radiation within the range of 220 to 280 nm, effectively treating crops while minimizing damage. Statistical analyses from the study indicated a significant effect of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) speed on UVC dose, confirming that slower movement yields greater doses, which may be critical for curbing the spread of pathogens.
“We aimed to create a system that integrates seamlessly into existing greenhouse frameworks while minimizing dependency on chemical pest control,” wrote the authors of the article. This aim reflects broader agricultural trends where minimizing chemical exposure is increasingly prioritized due to rising consumer concerns over pesticide residue.
The efficiency of UV-C lighting for disease controls, particularly in crops like strawberries and cucumbers, has gained attention; researchers previously noted that low-dose, short intervals of UV treatment could successfully manage pests while preserving crop health. Given these precedents, the design of a UVC application machine offers an innovative solution to a field beset by resistance and ecological repercussions.
Findings from trials conducted with the machine demonstrated that variations in machine speed significantly influence UVC dosage levels, as analyses showed that increased PWM speed resulted in reduced UVC exposure, expressed statistically as p < 0.05. “Statistical analyses confirmed a significant effect of PWM speed on UVC dose (p < 0.05), confirming the importance of speed adjustments in treatment efficacy,” wrote the authors of the article. This correlation emphasizes the need for careful calibration of speed settings to optimize treatment outcomes.
The structure of the machine draws on a trolley infrastructure commonly used in greenhouse operations, enhancing mobility while ensuring UVC exposure reaches targeted plant areas effectively, especially crucial in high-density crop arrangements. The machine’s telescopic design allows for height adjustments, ensuring that light penetrates to all crop levels, thus enhancing effectiveness and minimizing shadowing effects during treatment.
More innovative aspects of the machine include a cloud-based control system that enables user-friendly remote management from any location with internet connectivity. This ensures real-time monitoring of UVC exposure, and facilitates dynamic adjustments during application processes, a feature that can significantly streamline operations in busy greenhouse environments.
Research on pre-harvest UVC applications directly points to the machine’s potential in enhancing crop quality while controlling diseases. By automating the UVC application process, the system guards against the risk of human error common in traditional methods, thereby ensuring consistency and reliability in pest management.
The advent of this UVC machine could represent a paradigm shift for greenhouse growers worldwide, as it not only addresses immediate disease management challenges but also aligns with sustainable agricultural practices. “This development contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices by reducing reliance on chemical pesticides while maintaining disease control efficiency,” the authors highlighted.
As the agricultural sector faces ongoing challenges from both pests and regulatory pressure regarding pesticide use, the UV-C application machine stands to offer a robust solution. However, further research is essential; future developments may involve integrating artificial intelligence to enable the machine to autonomously navigate greenhouses and provide data-driven treatments based on real-time feedback from plant health systems.
Ultimately, the innovative UVC machine represents a significant step toward a future in agriculture where sustainable practices meet advanced technology, ultimately leading to healthier crops and safer consumer products.
