Harnessing the power of Pulsed UV-light cleansing could help seed potato growers eliminate harmful pathogens and produce cleaner seed. New technology, being developed by Techneat Engineering and on show for the first time at LAMMA 2015, utilises well proven techniques implemented in sterile industrial and healthcare industries, in a practical application for agriculture and horticulture.

Initial trials using the pioneering Pulsed UV technology, involving growers and industry specialists, have already proved to be extremely successful in cleansing seed potatoes and an entirely new approach to non-chemical treatment of fresh produce to extend shelf life. 

The patented innovation squeezes all the UV energy into a concentrated flash, lasting fractions of a millisecond. The selected light wavelength terminally disrupts the DNA and physical cell structure of pathogens.

Experts at the Potato Council’s Sutton Bridge research centre have highlighted the Pulsed UV technique offers potential to tackle both bacterial and fungal diseases, including Blackleg, Silver Scurf, Black Dot and other skin diseases.

Laboratory trials have demonstrated a single flash of Pulsed UV light gave an 85% reduction in live Blackleg bacteria on the tuber surface, with a flash sequence on the treatment equipment giving a 97% reduction in the pathogen.

The technique will target any pathogens on the surface of the tuber, with no physical effect on the treated seed. Trials have shown no adverse effect on seed storage or emergence when planted.

Other applications are also under evaluation for the technology in agriculture and horticulture, including removing pathogens to extend the shelf life of fresh produce salad and vegetable crops.

See the new Pulsed UV technology at LAMMA on the Techneat Engineering stand 509.