Field trials examining germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) as a replacement for fungicides at Kinderhook Farm in Stephentown, NY have begun. After a proposal to the New York Farm Viability Institute’s (NYFVI) FVI Grant suggested building on prior research on the use of UV-C to manage bacterial diseases like powdery mildew, downy mildew and angular leaf spot disease on summer squash provided compelling crop results, farmers and scientists have decided to delve deeper.
The project, led by Dr. Mark Rea of Mount Sinai’s Light and Health Research Center, implements the “The Dragon”— a tractor-pulled device that delivers doses of UV-C to crops. In this round of research, project team members are seeking to optimize the use of UV-C as well as further investigate any unexpected advantages or disadvantages discovered in prior studies.
Find out more about the project at www.nyfvi.org.