This project will trial UV-C technology in Sauvignon blanc grapes for control of powdery mildew, and has the potential to provide a valuable solution for all New Zealand Wine Grower (NZW) members facing a powdery mildew problem.

Internationally, UV-C light technology has shown to be a cost-effective and environmentally friendlier option to control powdery mildew. This project provides the opportunity to demonstrate these benefits in New Zealand vineyards and potentially provide growers with a non-chemical additional treatment to manage these diseases.

A UVEX^TM UV-C system coupled with Burro autonomous mobile robots will be used for the application of the UV-C treatment. The Burro robot/UVEX UV-C technology will be supplied by Agri Automation (NZ) Ltd, who will also support the trial work with technical expertise and training.

Robust, local knowledge would give growers the confidence to adopt UV-C in their businesses. This project aims to deliver that knowledge, giving growers comprehensive and objective data which will help growers make informed crop protection decisions. If UV-C is shown to deliver on the potential it indicates, growers will have the know-how and confidence to use this new approach to deliver productivity and sustainability gains.

UV light has shown to be effective against numerous fungal pathogens and other ALT stakeholders are looking to this technology to help reduce fungicide use in their crops. The findings from this project will support further potential trial work from other product groups and will add to the understanding of the efficacy of UV-C light under New Zealand conditions against different plant pathogens and on different crops.

Read an article about this project and another UV-C trial being conducted in a cherry orchard here.