5 Years on: Gas price will determine the market
Factors affecting the market are often out of the hands of the grower doing the production. Gas prices are their next major challenge but if this leads to a shortage of supply it could return some power to the growers that remain.

5 Years on: Climate effect on breeding priorities
Climate change is having a profound effect on breeding strategies and the range of cultivars that will be grown in different parts of the world in future. The UK offers an example of research being carried out on sustainable production.

5 Years on: China making up for the past
It was the “Great Leap Forward,” but it was more like leaping backward. China suffered disastrous famines due to governmental policies that disrupted agricultural progress during the 20th century. Now, less than five years into the 21st century, China seems to be focused on making up for the past.

5 Years on: The greenhouse industry down-under
What does the future hold for the greenhouse industry in New Zealand and Australia? Competition will be fierce, but growers will utilise the local advantages. But only growers with high production efficiency and excellent sales and marketing will survive.

HortiFair 2005: Power of innovation
The Power of Innovation is the theme of this year’s International HortiFair which will be held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from 2 to 5 November. In addition to the stands the fair will host new activities and special pavilions as well as the Innovation Award which recognises the best novelty introduced during the fair.

Seawater cools and irrigates the greenhouse
Hot coastal regions are ideal locations for the Seawater Greenhouse which uses cold seawater to both cool the house and provide fresh water.

Sicilian growers proud of their specialty tomatoes
Sicily is the centre for Italian greenhouse tomatoes. The two main production areas on the island are Vittoria and Pachino, and each has its own strategy. Vittoria aims more for bulk production and Pachino focuses more on ‘specialties’, which sales organisations in Pachino try to distinguish via the acquired ‘protected origin designation’.

+Edition
Fruit setting relates to supply and demand
Irregular fruit setting is a common problem with sweet peppers. It can happen that just 20% of the flower bud develop into harvestable fruits. The art is to have a better grip on the setting process which is completely dependent on assimilates and hormones.

Comfortable way to harvest lettuce
Harvesting lettuce on hands and knees puts a heavy load on knees and back. Therefore, some growers in Belgium bought a machine that automatically cuts the lettuce heads and lifts them up to a comfortable working height. Employees can further clean the heads while walking relaxed behind the machine.

Plant burden and demand for assimilates
The burden on the plant is a topic regularly aired during discussion groups but what does it really involve? Is the number of fruits a good measure of plant burden or should we be looking at the total weight of the fruits on a plant. Or do we consider the demand for assimilates and what value does that have?

Best predatory mite for aubergine
During the last three years there has been extensive research into new predatory mites for the control of thrips and whitefly in cucumber. This has been followed by research on the effectiveness of the Amblyseius swirskii controlling thrips in aubergines.

Pepino variants require drastic measures
After the initial shock at the end of the 1990s, pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) was primarily considered as an awkward but manageable problem. But the discovery of new, aggressive variants, has lead to further concerns because the economic damage caused can be substantial. Renewed drastic hygiene measures currently seem the only option in order to limit the damage.

Better profit with high wire cultivation
This year, several Dutch growers have taken the step to grow cucumbers on a high wire system. One grower had a negative experience, but in general, after solving some bottlenecks, growers think the system has a better future than the conventional one. Trying it has not cost them money so far!