Designed for high value crops, Kubota showcased its UV Boosting system at Lamma, developed by a French start-up company of the same name. UV Boosting was founded in France and its technology is already presented in the European markets.
High-energy UV-C flashes trigger the natural defences of plants, having a similar effect as a biostimulant suggests the company. Kubota claims this will reduce the reliance on fungicides by reducing damage caused by pathogens and other abiotic stresses. A variety of models are available, including a horizontal, rear-mounted machine for vegetable crops, and vertically mounted units for orchards and vineyards.
Wider models are in development to increase the output of the unit, and Kubota and UV Boosting are currently trialling the machinery in a range of crops.
UV Boosting recommends four passes throughout the growing season, at a speed of 4kph. The system is also safe for insects (both beneficial and otherwise) and has a long working life, with the UV lamps said to last around 10,000 hrs.
“Increasing regulatory restrictions and environmental concerns are enabling a need for alternatives to minimise chemical inputs in specialty crops,” noted Daria Batukhtina, strategic business development manager at Kubota Innovation Center Europe. “It is part of Kubota’s strategy to create an ecosystem which allows innovation to evolve through partnerships with external businesses such as ag tech start-ups, agricultural producers, research institutes and universities.”
