A two-year trial in Victoria’s Great Western region is exploring a groundbreaking method to control powdery mildew in vineyards. This project combines an autonomous robot, Burro, with a UV-C light system called UVEX, offering a chemical-free solution to this common grapevine disease.

Prototype of the UVEX system

UV-C light, known for its ability to damage the DNA of harmful microorganisms, is effective against various plant pathogens, including powdery mildew. Traditionally, applying UV-C light at night has been impractical for growers. However, the introduction of autonomous robots like Burro makes this method feasible.

Burro, an electric robot, can perform tasks such as transporting equipment and produce around vineyards. Agri Automation, the distributor of Burro in Australia and New Zealand, has paired it with the UVEX system. This combination is currently being tested at Best’s Sugarloaf Creek vineyard, co-funded by Wine Australia and Agri Automation.

The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of UVEX in controlling powdery mildew and the functionality of Burro in a commercial vineyard setting. Ben Thomson, Managing Director of Best’s, hopes this technology will not only reduce the need for water and chemicals but also improve fruit quality.

More information

For more details, read the full article: https://www.wineaustralia.com/news/articles/bringing-robots-and-a-chemical-free-disease-solution-together-to-control-powdery-mildew

Acknowledgements:

• This article was peer-reviewed by Tom Flanagan and Andy Clarke, Wine Australia.