Kubota to harness UV power for crop protection
Boosting's Flash Light C Kubota Uv Picture: Uv Technology
Kubota has announced plans to harness the UV energy to improve sustainability within the viticulture industry.
The firm will pair up with French start-up technology firm UV Boosting, which has developed a patented solution for stimulating a plant’s natural defences, through the use of UV-C light flashes.
This allows growers to reduce their reliance on fungicides and minimise damage caused by pathogens and other abiotic stresses such as spring frost or drought.
Kubota plans to tackle global challenges, such as environmental regulations, climate impacts, and labour shortages, by expanding community-focused operations and offering integrated solutions and technological advancements for customers.
Daria Batukhtina, strategic business development manager at Kubota Innovation Center Europe, said: “Increasing regulatory restrictions and environmental concerns are enabling a need for alternatives to minimise chemical inputs in speciality crops.
"This pilot program with several growers and dealers is a part of Kubota’s strategy to create an eco-system which allows innovation to evolve, through partnerships with external businesses such as AgTech start-ups, agricultural producers, research institutes and universities.”
The pilot program is taking place in Brescia, Italy, and Anjou, France. The participating dealers will manage and support UV Boosting’s technology, and collate customer feedback.
The distribution network already recognises an increasing demand for new environmentally friendly solutions that enables plants to self-protect, through UV light stimulation.
Herve Gerard-Biard, vice president of business development at Kubota Holding Europe BV, said: “With this partnership, Kubota is extending its scope into alternative crop protection solutions and accelerating its innovation strategy with the objective of creating new business opportunities.”
The firm claims its UV-C light panels can reduce fungal pressure and limit yield losses from diseases and other stress, such as drought or frost.
Growers can apply four to seven treatments during the season to evaluate the technology's impact on yield results and overall tree health.
The implements can be mounted on standard (narrow) tractors and straddle tractors for applications in vineyards, although the firm has also developed equipment for turf and strawberry growers.
