Wageningen UR identifies ideal horticulture site on Mars

Wageningen UR identifies ideal horticulture site on Mars

Research scientist Wieger Wamelink and student Line Schug of Wageningen University & Research have been conducting research into finding suitable locations to grow vegetables
World seed bank on Spitsbergen

Norway invests 10 million euros in renovating world seed bank

The Norse government is investing over 10 million euros in the renovation of the world seed bank, a bunker on Spitsbergen in which approximately
HortiContact Tour 2018 visits Lans Tomaten

HortiContact Tour offers unique peek behind the scenes at Dutch top-class grower...

On Tuesday, 20 February a group of interested parties from all over the globe participated in a tour of various greenhouse horticulture enterprises in
Trias Westland drilling platform

Trias Westland hits on virtually impermeable layer of rock

Although the 4km-deep hole drilled by Trias Westland provided a ‘wealth of data’, the extraction of sustainable heat from the Trias layer is not
Residual heat for greenhouses in Heerhugowaard

Household waste heats sweet peppers in the Alton greenhouse horticulture area

A household waste disposal company in Alkmaar (HVC Alkmaar) will be supplying the greenhouses of the NH Paprika sweet pepper farm in Heerhugowaard with
The Greenhouse Horticulture and Bulbs, Trees and Fruit business units are launching an Evergreen project to carry out research into bulb production

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in bulb production

The Greenhouse Horticulture and Bulbs, Trees and Fruit business units are launching an Evergreen project to carry out research into bulb production using fewer
Dehumidification trial at van Koppen nursery Dehumidifier boosts yields, cuts disease pressure and saves energy

Dehumidifier boosts yields, cuts disease pressure and saves energy

A giant dehumidifier in cherry tomato grower Robert van Koppen’s greenhouse in Kwintsheul (Westland, the Netherlands) keeps the RH below the critical value of
We still know too little about flowering which is sometimes difficult when working with new crops. A lot of research has been carried out

Too little insight about factors that effect flowering

We know much more about photosynthesis than about the flowering of the plant. This sometimes leads to surprises, especially with new crops. The grower
A group of experts have now compiled all the available knowledge in this area in a book called “Vegetable grafting: principles and recent practices”.

Book about grafting fruiting vegetables

Levels of production of crops such as tomato and aubergine have increased in recent years with the use of rootstocks. In a number of
Dosing smaller amounts more often may improve the root environment, get the water and fertilisers circulating faster and reduce the risk of blockages.

Watering less more often: downsizing on trend in irrigation

The increase in scale that has been taking place over the past ten years calls for a different way of watering. Including on the
Grower Rob Olsthoorn of OK Plant deliberately opted for a triple screen for his new greenhouse so as to make it as closed an environment as possible.

OK Plant opts for triple screen to boost quality even further

Next Generation Growing has played a major role in the choices Dutch orchid grower Rob Olsthoorn of OK Plant is making for the new
The instrumental model developed by Wageningen University & Research enables flavour to be measured quantitatively, with a good explained variance

Strawberry flavour model ready for use

A good flavour is an opportunity to create added value in strawberries. Flavour is a complex property that involves several factors. The instrumental model
In 2004 two families, who each ran a small-scale business in Vienna, decided to set up a new, more professional horticultural business together.

“Quality is our guideline and we are continuously striving for better”

More than ten years ago the Austrian horticultural families Kainz and Mayer decided to join forces and set up a new business. Their aim
he radiation monitor displays the realistic effects of greenhouse roofs, screens, lighting and other user settings on temperature distribution in the crop

Radiation monitor improves understanding of plant processes

A new online app quantifies the effect of radiated heat loss on crop temperature and energy loss from the greenhouse in a simple, user-friendly
A different growing strategy is a potential key to saving energy. An important part of this is to slow down transpiration.

Slowing down crop transpiration cuts energy consumption

The focus of energy savings usually lies in technology. But the crop itself offers numerous opportunities to economise on energy consumption. Many research results
The Precision Horticulture Programme was launched this year. It is a form of horticulture in which plants receive precisely the treatment they need.

Precision Horticulture Programme focuses on plant level

The Precision Horticulture Programme was launched this year. It is a form of horticulture in which plants receive precisely the treatment they need. In
Researchers have been working with screen manufacturers to develop an objective method of determining the energy saving performance of screen fabrics.

Energy-saving screens can now be compared objectively

Screen suppliers each have their own methods of determining the energy-saving performance of their screens, making it very hard for the grower to compare
Alstroemeria can get off to a good start with higher light levels than are generally used at present.

Hybrid lighting ramps up alstroemeria yields

Hoogenboom Alstroemeria in Nieuwe Wetering in the Netherlands expanded its grow light system last year. In one section of the greenhouse they have installed
international growers will have the opportunity to join the HortiContact Tour and see first hand the latest developments in Dutch greenhouses.

Two-day excursion to innovative Dutch greenhouses

The Dutch greenhouse sector is continuously innovating. In addition, the nurseries and research centres are keen to share their knowledge and experiences with growers
Limiting light emissions called for creative solution

Combining two vertical fans makes for more even climate

Assimilation lights give off a lot of heat which stays at the top of the greenhouse when you would rather have it down near