In March, cucumbers were planted at the research station for vegetable production in Sint-Katelijne-Waver to further develop the IPM-strategy against powdery mildew with a UV-C robot. From previous trials, it was concluded that a maximal dose of 50 J/m² of UV-C should be used to prevent negative effects on plant quality. By treating the cucumber plants 3 times per week with 50 J/m² UV-C light during night time, powdery mildew could be controlled sufficiently in the greenhouse. This year, it will be evaluated whether a lower dosage of 30 J/m² UV-C will have the same effect on the fungus without having negative effects on the plant quality. Moreover, a strategy is being tested where only the bottom halve of the plants, where the powdery mildew is most present, is being treated by the UV-C robot. This way, the growth point of the plant and the open flowers are protected from the damaging UV-C light. At the beginning of April, powdery mildew became present in the greenhouse and the UV-C treatments with the robot from Octinion could start. The results from this trial will be communicated as soon as possible.
Start of cucumber trial at PSKW for the further development of an UV-C integrated IPM-strategy
