Reducing water usage in Saudi Arabian horticulture

Reducing water usage in Saudi Arabian horticulture

There are major changes afoot in Saudi Arabia. One key strategy is to convert the country from an economy that is dependent on oil
New predatory bug limits establishment of Nesi in tomato

New predatory bug limits establishment of Nesi in tomato

Researchers have found three species of predatory bug in the Miridae family that can limit the establishment of the harmful predatory bug Nesidiocoris tenuis
Research sheds new light on raspberries and blackberries

Research sheds new light on raspberries and blackberries

Raspberries and blackberries are relatively new crops under glass, so knowledge in this area is as yet in very short supply. Woody small fruit
Tulip forcers can reduce transpiration without affecting quality

Tulip forcers can reduce transpiration without affecting quality

Stem topple is a serious problem in the flower bulb sector. Bent stems are unsaleable and are therefore something to avoid if at all
When each leaf counts, leaf samples can point to plant’s needs

When each leaf counts, leaf samples can point to plant’s needs

It’s fine for a tomato plant to have a few spots on its leaves. But it’s a different matter when it comes to flowering
Emission-free growing on unbuffered coco with good results

Emission-free growing on unbuffered coco with good results

A consortium of companies is trialling and demonstrating a concept for emission-free growing at the Water Innovation and Demonstration Centre in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands.
Peter Goudswaard (left), Simon van Mourik and Bram van Rens (right)

Big data poised to navigate growers to their targets

With cultivation so closely intertwined with the Internet and with the advent of crop and climate sensors, big data is becoming available to the
Switchable optical filters: the future of greenhouse covering materials?

Switchable optical filters: the future of greenhouse covering materials?

One of the main tasks of the Smart Materials project was completed last year. Greenhouse simulation models were used to explore the potential effect
Spread of plant viruses calls for vigilance

Spread of plant viruses calls for vigilance

Viruses are among the smallest pathogens infecting other living organisms. Plants are also susceptible to a large number of viruses that can cause serious
Crop protection products much more effective with adjuvants

Crop protection products much more effective with adjuvants

Crop protection products are sometimes unfairly labelled as losing their efficacy against pests or diseases. On closer investigation it becomes clear that these products
Prey diets greatly improve biological control by predatory mites

Prey diets greatly improve biological control by predatory mites

Predatory mites are the most important natural enemies used for biological pest control in greenhouse horticulture. Many of these predatory mites are mass-reared on
Researchers “grow” model of ideal plant in simulated greenhouse

Researchers “grow” model of ideal plant in simulated greenhouse

3D modelling is set to play an ever greater role in research. It’s an important tool in the quest to design better LED modules,
Tomato grower Geert Koot from Dutch tomato nursery Gebroeders Koot

New LED lamp rates highly in hybrid lighting trial

A trial with hybrid lighting (SON-T + LED) at Dutch tomato nursery Gebroeders Koot has yielded good results. The LED lamp used in the
Effect of disinfectants on quality of irrigation water

Effect of disinfectants on quality of irrigation water

A range of chemicals are used to keep greenhouse pipework clean. They include bleach, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide and ECA water. Growers are concerned
Wim Voogt: “We haven’t seen any negative impacts of high sodium concentrations in sweet pepper.”

Split-root system harvests sodium and removes it via the crop

The shift towards closed growing systems is forcing growers to take a critical look at their sodium figures. Would higher sodium levels affect the
Thinking about light in new project

Thinking about light in new project

Plants, insects, fungi and people perceive light colour and intensity via different organs and pigments. The human eye is particularly sensitive to green light,
In the Ter Laak Orchids trial greenhouses, the researchers compare the quality of the varieties Sacramento, Donau, Jewel and Las Palmas grown with standard lighting and a dimming treatment.

Limits of dimming lights in phalaenopsis reached

Intensive lighting in winter is common in Phalaenopsis growing. A long-running Dutch research project is seeking to answer the question of whether less lighting
What plants are best for purifying indoor air?

What plants are best for purifying indoor air?

With the second crop in the Winterlight greenhouse at the Energy Innovation and Demo Centre (IDC) in Bleiswijk (NL) coming to an end, it’s
Manufacturers offer a wide range of glass types. The question is how growers are supposed to choose if they don’t have enough data on their own crops.

“Sharing crop data helps build knowledge on diffuse roof”

Diffuse glass is becoming routine in new build greenhouses – and much more quickly than anticipated. But it is still difficult for growers to
A thermal camera took an image of the tomato crop every ten minutes over a six-week period.

Intensive screening promotes transpiration from the top

Reducing energy consumption in greenhouses is associated with higher humidity levels. Many growers are concerned that this could make the crop less active, impacting
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