Output Reduction over Time of Germicidal UV-C Lamps Used for Treating Agricultural Crops

See t.ly/yGqr — It is important in understanding the potential benefits of ultraviolet (UV-C) field applications for control of powdery mildew to know how long the lamps will last before replacement. We conducted a laboratory evaluation of a sample of low-pressure discharge germicidal UV-C lamps that have been used in field trials to control strawberry powdery mildew. None of the lamps tested failed to start after more than a year of operation. The degradation of UV-C output followed trends similar to those described by the manufacturer. Based on these measurement data and on the long history of this lamp…