Shining a light on strawberry innovation

Researchers from our department are testing the use of ultraviolet light to manage disease in strawberries grown under protected cropping structures like glasshouses.

Scientists in the United States have shown that ultraviolet light in the UVC range suppresses damage from powdery mildew on strawberry plants and reduces the need for chemicals.

UVC light can be applied by robots, helping to pave the way for autonomous production in strawberries.

A glasshouse pot trial is underway as part of the Gatton Smart Farm initiative using locally sourced UVC lamps.

This work is part of the project Driving AgTech adoption across Australia (AS20007), which is funded by the Hort Frontiers Advanced Production Systems Fund, part of the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative developed by Hort Innovation, with co-investment from the Queensland Government and contributions from the Australian Government.