UV Disinfection
Besides the usual visible light, there is also invisible light. The visibility and color are determined by the wavelength of the light. The invisible infra red light is generated at longer wavelengths and at shorter wavelengths UV light is generated.
UV disinfection
UV light can be divided into UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. Sunlight contains UV-A and UV-B. UV-C is blocked by the ozone layer and does hardly reach ground level. For the desinfection of fungi and bacteria UV-C is used. Often these lamps produce a purple glow, but the effective light is invisible. UV-C penetrates into bacteria and fungi and damages the DNA.
UV-C is harmful for your eyes. To avoid any health risks, UV-C lamps should always be used in covered areas during use.
UV Lighting against fusarium in tulip bulbs
Contamination of fungal spores during the harvest process plays a crucial part in the development of Fusarium xoysporum. Application of UV lighting in the process-line of tulip bulbs reduces the distribution of spores.
Fusarium, the fungus which causes bulb rot, forms spores on the bulbs. One infected bulb can hold millions of spores. Especially before and during harvest and processing of the bulbs these spores get a chance to spread in stocks.
Fusarium appears to be very vulnerable to UV light exposure. A low dose can de-activate the spores and mycelium.
With the Nedap Tulip UV lighting unit, tulip bulbs can be desinfected post harvest, solving one of the biggest problems and improving Tulip quality on an environmentally friendly way.
