Werkwijze en inrichting voor het snijden van gewasstelen

This invention relates to a method and a device for cutting the stalks of crops. The method comprises placing two electrodes (8, 9) in contact with the stalk (14) of a crop plant. An alternating voltage is then applied over the electrodes (8, 9) and the electrodes are moved transversely on the stalk (14). The electrodes (8, 9) can be moved towards one another in a pinching movement or can be set up in a fixed position and pushed through the stalk (14). Preferably, an alternating voltage with a frequency of between 300 kHz and 1 MHz, preferably of between 500 and 800 kHz, and an amplitude of between 200 V and 1 kV, preferably of between 500 V and 700 V, is used. At such high frequencies the device is not dangerous if it is touched by an operator. Frequencies of between 20 and 100 Hz, at amplitudes of between 100 V and 500 V, can be used for cutting by robot. With the method according to the present invention crop stalks, such as, for example, stalks of vegetables or plants, can be cut through effectively within 2 seconds when harvesting, when plucking leaves, when topping or pruning or when taking cuttings for propagation. The temperatures generated during this operation are sufficiently high to kill moulds, bacteria and viruses, so that the risk of contamination is minimised and a high processing rate is possible. The keeping qualities of the crops harvested in this way also improve.