UV-C light removes need for fungicides

Agtech innovator Saga Robotics has hailed the success of its Thorvald robot’s UV-C light treatment, which ensured no chemical intervention was needed whatsoever to control powdery mildew on Clock House Farm’s strawberry plants last season. The Norwegian agtech firm said it has removed the need for fungicides to control the pathogen. 

Managing director of Clock House Farm, Oli Pascall, said: “We have actively been using Thorvald for the third year running and have experienced at first-hand the significant effect and results of the Thorvald UV-C light, without any chemical intervention to protect our strawberry plants from powdery mildew during the season. The UV-C treatment has delivered a successful outcome, not only in relation to the effective control of powdery mildew but also in helping the farm in its commitment to sustainability (by removing diesel operations, negating the need for chemical fungicides etc.) which remains a key priority for us. I am also excited to see the huge potential for Thorvald to support and automate many other key aspects of Integrated Pest Management going forward.”

Saga Robotics will be partnering with more growers in 2023 while it prepares for the commercial launch of a wider range of services, which will be embedded onto its Thorvald robot platform.

These will be included in Saga Robotics’ Integrated Pest Management portfolio next year. The company said this “will serve as an important stepping stone for a substantial commercial scale-up in the UK in 2024”.