How does UV-c crop protection work?

UV-c crop protection uses a specific nanometer of 254nm. This UV-c nanometer is very effective against fungi and bacteria. This same nanometer is being used for 40-50 years in water disinfection and air disinfection. It has been proven the most effective and efficient nanometer to damage and destroy micro-organisms. 

A very low UV-dose will not have a negative effect on the plants, but the micro-organisms are damaged. The effect against fungi like powdery mildew and botrytis can be quickly seen. After a couple of UV-treatments a fungus like powdery mildew will turn grey, blackish and eventually die off. 

Not all UV-C lamps operating at 254nm are suitable for UV crop protection. With CleanLight equipment, you can be sure you're using the right UV-C lamps designed specifically for effective and safe UV crop protection.

What is exactly the effect of UV-light against a fungus?

CleanLight UV-c light is very effective to prevent, but also cure plants from different types of fungi. The low dose of UV-c light damages the mycelium part of the fungus. This is the baby fungus which is the first stage of a fungus. By damaging this mycelium / hyphae part, it can’t develop any further. Repeat this treatment frequently, at least 3x per week and you keep interrupting the lifecycle of the fungus. 

Pure natural sunlight

Just like the sun which emits UV-c light, that low UV-c dose controls and reduces the growth of fungi and bacteria outside. Most of the UV-c light is filtered out by the ozone layer, however, depending on the season and country, UV-c light still reaches the earth. 

To restore this natural process of controlling fungi and bacteria in greenhouses or indoor rooms, it is critical to add the UV-c spectrum. Most types of glass filter out the UV-c part of the light, for indoor rooms this of course no question. 

CleanLight UV-c crop protection

CleanLight developed this UV-c crop protection technology in 2005 for commercial applications. Therefore,, the CleanLight UV-systems are always moving systems. Either in the form of UV-handcarts or UV-booms. In short, just like the sun does, this way the control and penetration into the crop is much better. 

Next to larger commercial applications for greenhouse growers, CleanLight also developed UV-handheld units for hobby growers. These handhelds units are currently being distributed through a vast network of dealers in North America. 

 

More information:

To read more research on the control of powdery mildew on cannabis with UV-c light, please click here.

If you would like to see some larger UV-c applications operating, check out our YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/cleanlightbv

To find more information about the CleanLight UV-c handheld units, please visit this link.