Flash light technology
UV-C light, to be precise - a component of sunlight that is poised to revolutionise turfcare with a bespoke solution for enhancing grass plants’ resistance to disease and environmental stressors such as drought and chilling.
Now, attention is turning to turf, with the potential for a sustainable solution that reduces reliance on plant protection products in sport and amenity turf management.
Technology successfully trialled in France, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland could be introduced in the UK as early as the end of this year. Initially applied in fruit growing and viticulture, flash UV-C irradiation has prevented crop losses of up to 40%, growers report, significantly mitigating damage during heavyHot rainfall, frost or drought.
In the UK, STRI has conducted commercial trials on the effects of UV stimulation on turf. Although unable to comment publicly on these trials, principal scientist Dr. Christian Spring acknowledges the broad benefits of UV across various applications.
“This is sterling technology for all sorts of uses, from sterilising surgical instruments to controlling pathogens affecting high-value crops, including those grown in vineyards and orchards.”
Sportsturf itself is a high-value crop, he continues, adding that the process could apply to synthetic as well as natural turf, though acknowledging that the technology is still relatively new and currently limited to resource-rich clubs, such as those in the Premier League.
Success in the laboratory is one thing; replicating it outdoors is another, Christian maintains. “UV can have negative effects on animal, plant and fungal cells, so the key is to get the dosage right,” he stresses. “A ‘little and often’ approach is best, though this system of regularity may pose challenges for contractors.”
UV-C light is the safest to apply, he adds, partly because machinery can operate in close proximity to the turf surface. “Dosing at just an inch or two above the ground is very safe and can be a valuable addition to the grounds maintenance toolkit alongside plant protection products.”
Most machinery used to date is battery-powered, with some units operating via a built-in generator, Christian explains. “This is an evolving technology and we still need to determine whether UV application is purely preventative. In a turf context, there are gaps in our knowledge.”
That said, Christian believes the process holds significant potential as the practicalities of using UV-C light on turf become clearer.
Technology adoption and trials
Trials conducted across mainland Europe over recent years have demonstrated the benefits of UV-C irradiation in vineyards and orchards, increasing crop yields and reducing climate-related losses.
Global manufacturer Kubota Corporation has been an early adopter of the technology, taking a minority stake in 2024 in start-up company UV Boosting, which developed UV-C light application machinery. Prototype equipment was first tested in 2019 on a golf course in southern France.
“Kubota is helping us grow,” states Emanuele Poggi, International Sales Director for UV Boosting. “Its global distribution network, including France, Italy and the US, is essential for selling our equipment. We are working with them to expand our dealership network.”
Kubota customer sites have trialled the process, which the company states ‘enhances natural defence mechanisms in plants, reducing the need for pesticides and increasing crop yields’.
Across Europe, initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability are intensifying. In some countries, pesticide regulations are more stringent than in the UK; Belgium, for example, has implemented a blanket ban on their use.
Eco-friendly cultivation methods are on the rise, driving demand for technology that minimises pesticide reliance.
Emerging from its proven effectiveness in viticulture and fruit production, UV Boosting’s flash technology is now being adapted for turfcare.
The science behind UV-C stimulation
The effects of UV-C on plants have been studied since the early 1990s, but a breakthrough came in 2013 when researchers at Avignon University discovered that short bursts of UV-C were far more effective than prolonged exposure.
“Our high-energy UV-C technology uses short wavelengths to stimulate leaves, prompting secretion of salicylic acid and other plant hormones that enhance natural resistance to pathogens and environmental stresses like drought,” explains Emanuele.
By delivering a ‘pre-emptive strike’ against pathogens, the technology stimulates plants’ self-defence mechanisms, reducing disease incidence and mitigating the effects of frost, drought and other adverse weather conditions.
Now ready for market, UV Boosting has developed two products: one powered via tractor PTOs and the other an autonomous unit with a built-in generator.
The equipment allows flexible treatment rates, enabling operators to adjust UV-C flash intensity based on specific needs and disease pressure.
Designed for adaptability, the system is suitable for sportsturf where fungal pathogens threaten turf health and playability. “The equipment can be attached to any tractor,” Emanuele confirms. “It requires minimal power - about 11 hp - so even a 25 hp tractor is sufficient to trigger the plant’s production of salicylic acid.”
Positioned just 5 cm above the surface, the machine’s light panels deliver UV flashes in under a second, while the tractor typically moves at 3.5-4 km/h.
The priming effect lasts several weeks, Emanuele continues. “In an independent fusarium trial, light treatment ceased three weeks before observations were taken, yet the benefits persisted.”
Suitable for all grass species, the process requires a minimum fortnightly application throughout the year. “We are working to fine-tune this schedule,” Emanuele adds.
With lamps rated for 10,000 hours and minimal maintenance required beyond cleaning light panels and filters, operational costs remain low.
Addressing safety concerns, Emanuele notes that the machine’s pre-heating phase poses no toxicity risk while in motion. However, if left stationary above the turf for extended periods (four to five minutes), localised ‘sunburn’ may occur. Notably, UV-C effects do not occur when snow covers the ground.
Cost and market readiness
Emanuele is transparent about pricing: the autonomous unit is priced at €34,600 (approximately £29,000), while the PTO-powered machine costs €36,200 (about £30,000).
“By exposing plants to short bursts of proprietary UV-C sources, we trigger a peak in salicylic acid production, enhancing their ability to counter biological and physical threats more efficiently and rapidly,” he concludes.
Benefits
- Easy to use
- Chemical-free alternative
- Compatible with tractors
- Reduced engine speed
- Suitable for day or night application
The powerhouse biomolecule: Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a crucial phytohormone and signalling molecule that regulates plant growth and defence against disease and environmental stress. It influences seed germination, photosynthesis, flowering and senescence.
Research in the early 2000s highlighted its role in mediating plant defence responses against pathogens and abiotic stressors such as drought, chilling, heavy metal toxicity and osmotic stress.
According to the Journal of Experimental Botany, salicylic acid regulates plant cell redox status by inhibiting catalase and peroxidase activity, modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS).
In plant defence, it helps recognise pathogens, establish resistance and synthesise additional protective hormones - acting as an effective therapeutic agent, much like it does in mammals.
Understanding UV light
There are three types of UV light: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.
- UV-A has the longest wavelength and passes completely through the ozone layer. It is the least damaging type of UV light and is commonly known as black light.
- UV-B is 95% filtered by the ozone layer, while the remaining 5% causes skin tanning when exposed to sunlight.
- UV-C has the shortest wavelength and is the most damaging type of UV radiation. The ozone layer blocks it entirely, meaning it does not naturally occur on Earth.
How UV-C affects fungi and plants
This shortwave radiation destroys fungal DNA upon contact, inhibiting growth, spread and sporulation. However, plant cells have a higher level of protection against UV-C radiation. The same doses that destroy fungal DNA are not strong enough to harm grass plants.
All fungi exposed to UV-C are affected, but fungi living in soil are only impacted if they emerge from the plant to sporulate. The UV-C light does not penetrate the soil or the inside of the plant.
Constant dosing technology
Dr. Irene Vroegop of SGL discusses the company’s involvement with UV-C technology.
On the market since 2015, SGL’s UVC180 machine, which delivers constant dosing, is in action at Stamford Bridge and at NK Osijek in Croatia. Several UK football stadiums also use the unit, including Chelsea FC, Leeds United FC, Aston Villa FC, Watford FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC. The battery pack powering it is sufficient to treat an entire football pitch.
For over forty years, UVC radiation has been used to disinfect water, air, pharmaceutical products and surfaces. Microorganisms, including fungi and viruses, possess genetic material - either DNA or RNA. DNA molecules consist of two strands bound together by four bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T). When biological organisms are exposed to UVC light within the range of 200 nm to 280 nm, the light penetrates their cell walls and disrupts the DNA molecules, specifically targeting the thymine bases. Disrupted DNA becomes unable to replicate, leading to the demise of the fungi or virus before it can harm your turfgrass or players.
Trial data
A trial conducted at Kristianstad Golf Course in Sweden to combat dollar spot demonstrated that UV-C treatment, applied once or twice daily, significantly reduced the disease compared to the control (shown below).
Safety considerations
Although UV-C is more damaging than naturally occurring UV-B and can burn the skin with prolonged exposure, simple precautions provide sufficient protection. Wearing long trousers and closed shoes prevents direct exposure.
Additionally, the UVC180’s light bed is positioned close to the ground and the lights automatically shut off when the machine is stationary. As a result, safety goggles are not required during operation.
Treatment frequency
When disease pressure is high, daily treatment is necessary - and in some cases, twice-daily applications may be required. Disease pressure is typically higher in warm weather compared to winter conditions.
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Note: Flash dosing and its way of delivering UV-C marks the breakthrough. As we know, constant dosing technology has been around for some years.
