Project: L.I.G.H.T.
Lasers In Greenhouses and Horticulture against Thrips (and other pests)
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Greenhouses are a heaven for insects. Nicely heated, endless supply of food and shielded from almost all predators.
Where a mosquito stings to suck up blood a thrip stings the plant. And where a mosquito bite gets red and itchy, plants reacts by a (visible) discoloration. Something a consumer doesn’t want. Questionable for a tomato, understandable for a rose.
Pesticides?
Pesticides solved that problem, but there is an increase of resistance. As well from the public as from the targeted insects.
Nowadays most insects can be combatted by releasing their natural enemies in greenhouses. However, certain small insects remain a problem.
Small bug, big loss
That has to do with the swarming-behaviour. When a swarm migrates and ends up in a greenhouse it can overrun the natural enemies by shear numbers. Leaving no other solution for the grower than the chemical one, killing the beneficials too.
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It is estimated by the UN that 40% of all crops produced are lost to plant pests and the deseases they carry.
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Source: FAO (Agriculture department of the United Nations)
Solution: lasers
It was envisioned to use the laser solely as a preventive measure, by placing the laser within the air ventilation system where the laser acts as an airfilter without obstructing any airflow.
The discovery that the laser beam does not damage the plants and yet is able to kill pests allows the laser to be used as a curative measure as well.
The future
The latest experiments revealed that the laser-setting that kills 100% of the Thrips only kills a minor percentage of the beneficial insects while leaving the plant unharmed with no visible damage after microscopic analysis. These results still have the outlook for lasers to claim a vital role within greenhouses and IPM (Integrated Pest Management).
Research in progress, cooperating with Lion Laser Systems, Wageningen University and Research, Glastuinbouw Nederland, Octiva and Royal Brinkman.