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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Kearneysville, West Virginia » Appalachian Fruit Research Laboratory » Innovative Fruit Production, Improvement, and Protection » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #351280
Research Project: Sustainable Strategies for Managing Postharvest Diseases of Fruit Crops

Location: Innovative Fruit Production, Improvement, and Protection

Title: PhylloLux technology for crop protection: alternative management of diseases and arthropods for strawberry production

Author
item Janisiewicz, Wojciech
item Takeda, Fumiomi
item Short, Brent
item Leskey, Tracy

Submitted to: Progressive Crop Consultant
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/29/2018
Publication Date: 5/7/2018
Citation: Janisiewicz, W.J., Takeda, F., Short, B.D., Leskey, T.C. 2018. PhylloLux technology for crop protection: alternative management of diseases and arthropods for strawberry production. Progressive Crop Consultant. 3(3):4-8.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A search for alternatives to synthetic fungicides for control of strawberry diseases has led us to the development of PhylloLux© technology that combines UV-C irradiation followed by a specific dark period (2-4 hr depending on pathogen) and application of microbial antagonists. This technology is safe and should be compatible with organic fruit production, which further increases its value. In addition to controlling plant pathogens, it also controls some arthropods and promotes early fruit production in short-day cultivars. The potential of this technology goes well beyond its application to strawberries and may include applications in production of other fruit and vegetable crops as well as ornamental plants and nursery stocks. As with any new technology, its future lies in the hands of its developers and users, and at present it appears that the question is not if, but how soon it will be broadly implemented.