Smart rooftop greenhouse materials

Smart greenhouse roof materials with reversible optical filters

The Smart Materials project is investigating the next generation of smart, adaptable materials that will soon be available for use in greenhouses around the
Concentrated CO2 gives algae growth spurt

Concentrated CO2 gives algae growth spurt

The University of Twente recently developed a new technology to cheaply and efficiently capture CO2 from ambient air. The CO2 thus captured is used by
Test on growth response crops

Above- and below-ground growth response test

The range of plant invigorators and water treatments on offer has increased significantly in recent years. Some look set to deliver growth effects in
Supplementary feeding of predatory mites with a pollen preparation has outgrown the trial phase. A large number of growers are using this method.

‘Before the problem starts, build up a vigorous predator population’

Supplementary feeding of predatory mites with a pollen preparation has outgrown the trial phase. A large number of growers is successfully using this method.
If sweet pepper plants receive a high dose of CO2 over a long period in the winter, they get used to the high level. That produces “lazy” leaves

Sweet pepper growers can get by with less CO2 in winter

Sweet peppers can manage with 800 ppm CO2 in the winter months. Supplying more than that doesn’t boost photosynthesis: in fact, the sweet pepper
A sprayer is an indispensable part of many a grower’s kit. When you’re buying a sprayer, it’s important to get the pump capacity right.

Maintenance starts with rinsing filters clean after every use

A sprayer is an indispensable part of many a grower’s kit, whether we’re talking spray robot or spray gun. When you’re buying a sprayer,
A new diffuse climate screen gives 32% more light to parts of the crop shaded by the greenhouse structure compared with the classic variant.

Lots of benefits for the plant and more pleasant working environment

The new diffuse screen from Svensson provides even better light distribution than the previous version. But growers are also still very keen on the
To light or not to light – that is the question

To light or not to light – that is the question

In Next Generation Growing (NGG) we’re always talking about balances: water balance, fruit balance, energy balance, etc etc. And in sweet pepper production we’re
Golden Fresh Farms, based in Wapakoneta, Ohio, USA, has recently completed phase one of what will become an 32 hectare high-tech greenhouse facility for tomatoes.

Pioneering climate control solution in tomato greenhouse

Golden Fresh Farms, based in Wapakoneta, Ohio, USA, is a high-tech tomato producer selling to leading grocery retailers in North America. In Greenhouses spoke
Lebanese greenhouses

Strengthening the Lebanese horticulture sector

We are working with Lebanese researchers to build mono tunnels that will improve vegetable production and simultaneously reduce water consumption. Yields of tomatoes and
Fungi and bacteria that live in plants can help make the plants more resilient to pests and diseases

Fungi and bacteria boost resistance to pests and diseases

More and more research is revealing that endophytes – microorganisms that live in the plant without harming it – can significantly boost a plant’s
Following a successful trial with coco substrate the Dutch nursery Zeurniet has switched over to it completely for growing Dendrobium.

‘Our Dendrobium plants are growing much faster and more uniformly’

There’s a lot of experimenting with alternative growing substrates going on among orchid growers. Mixtures without bark – or at least with a much
Penicillium chrysogenum is a beneficial fungus whose Latin name means “painter’s brush”,

Penicillium

Penicillium chrysogenum is a beneficial fungus whose Latin name means “painter’s brush”, after the shape of the branched hyphae bearing rows of black/grey spores.
The robot sets down pots with young orchid plants on mobile benches, where they are grown on until they are ready for sale.

Robot automatically spaces young pot orchids right distance apart

Orchid nursery Hazeu Orchids in Delfgauw in the Netherlands has robotised part of its internal transport system. The robot sets down pots with young
Herbert Stolker Senior Consultant Africa

Africa and plastic

In some way or another, Africa and plastic formed a close relationship a long time ago. At the checkout, all your groceries are packed
Researchers are working on a nutritional regime in which the amount of feed and water given to the plants gradually decreases towards the end of cultivation

Finishing up leftovers – a model for zero-emission growing

Greenhouse horticulture will have to be virtually emission-free in ten years’ time. By 2027, European growers must ensure that their drainage water is completely
Blocked pipes can cause big problems. Using stabilised hydrogen peroxide keeps the system biofilm-free. The active substance stays active for a long time

Stabilised hydrogen peroxide cleans pipes efficiently and gently

Most growers in the Netherlands start increasing the dosage of irrigation water in April, which can cause serious problems in the watering system. That’s
Tomatoes in the 2SaveEnergy greenhouse

Strong tomato crop with less gas in 2SaveEnergy greenhouse

In a Cappricia crop in the 2SaveEnergy Greenhouse, we are seeing how far we can go with limited ventilation. Among other things, an average
Controlling the pH helps ensure better nutrient uptake which ultimately leads to consistent growth and production.

Well-balanced root environment ensures good nutrient uptake

When you’re growing green peppers, you have to be extra alert to changes in the growing conditions. Consistent EC levels and good pH control
with a smart watering strategy it is possible to reduce emissions to such an extent that there is no need to invest in costly cleaning equipment.

A smart watering strategy can reduce emissions to almost zero

The adage that every downside has an upside even applies to the regulations on discharges, which are becoming ever stricter. Full recirculation in sweet