Designed for high value crops, Kubota highlighted the UV Boosting system on the stand – developed by a French start-up company of the same name. A variety of models are available, including a horizontal, rear-mounted machine for vegetable crops, and vertically mounted units for orchards and vineyards.
It utilises a 3.3kW UV-C light that flashes the plants to stimulate a defence mechanism, a similar effect to applying biostimulants. According to the company, this will help growers reduce the use of fungicides, minimising residuals especially close to harvest and saving money.
UV Boosting recommends four passes throughout the growing season, at a speed of 4kph. The system is also safe for insects (both beneficial and otherwise) and has a long working life, with the UV lamps said to last around 10,000hrs.
Wider models are in development to increase the output of the unit, and Kubota and UV Boosting are currently trialling the machinery in a range of crops.