L.I.G.H.T.: Pest Control with Lasers
Insects as vectors of viral diseases are an increasing problem in greenhouse horticulture. The existing package of resources is under pressure and viral diseases cannot be treated curatively at all. To solve this problem, the idea is to use laser technology to preventively keep (flying) insects out of the greenhouse or as a curative measure to scan plants for the presence of insects and to eliminate them in a targeted manner. Integrated into an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system, this offers the possibility of controlling pests as a carrier of virus with a minimum of chemical measures and without disturbing the greenhouse climate.
Speakers
My main interest is finding sustainable solutions to tackle today’s challenges in plant health. For this, after a journey through Latin America, USA, Asia and Europe I joined Wageningen University & Research as part of the Plant Health Group. Here, we focus on developing production strategies that enhance plant resilience, including optimizing greenhouse conditions, improving hygiene, strengthening the standing army of beneficial organisms, and promoting positive plant-plant interactions.
Edwin Kroon has a background in biology and dreams of copying nature’s nanostructures on everyday items. From bacteria-killing butterfly wings on a doorknob, to Namibian Desert Beetle to promote the foaming of beer, a laser can recreate functional 3D-nanostructures on any material.
With EKYW Edwin Kroon wants to fully utilize the laser’s potential and demonstrate it as a viable alternative to chemicals such as: ink, glue (stickers), pesticides, herbicides and cleaning-products. Backed by academia, recyclers and producers alike it is safe to say that lasers are the future.