Lasers fighting pests in the greenhouse
Added on 07 March 2024
WUR is investigating a laser that delivers the light in a triangular shape, combating the insects in the exposed area. This ‘’wall of light” can be implemented into a ventilation system of a semi-closed greenhouse as a preventive measure or employed to actively scan plants for pest control purposes. While the laser has enough power to burn human skin at the target point of the robot, it quickly disperses and is not dangerous within a few meters.
The current focus is on thrips and aphids; they can be killed even when located underneath the leaf without harming the plant. The system can be tuned for different insects, and natural enemies in the greenhouse can remain safe when discriminated based on their size (bigger insects require more energy). The laser can therefore be an addition to existing methods of pest control and contribute to sustainable greenhouse horticulture by acting as part of an integrated pest management strategy, say Hernández Olesinski and Peller. They also see opportunities for open-field cultivation.
Lasers In Greenhouses and Horticulture against Thrips and pests (LIGHT) is a public-private partnership. Partners are: Lion Laser Systems, Ekyw, Glastuinbouw Nederland, Octiva, Royal Brinkman and the The Greenhouse Horticulture and Flower Bulbs Business Unit.
Source: Wageningen University & Research
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