+Edition - Balancing act with tomato screening
Using energy screens in tomato growing can represent energy savings of 16%. Applied optimally, additional savings of 3% are also feasible. Over-screening can however pose a threat to production.

Comparing energy saving options
With gas prices rising, any extra energy savings are welcome. Some measures are more effective than others. Certain solutions can have negative effects on production or quality at particular periods, while others demand a relatively high investment. Plant Research International, the Netherlands examined various energy saving options.

Substantial savings in closed greenhouse
The closed greenhouse system used by Dutch tomato company, Themato, has met many of the predicted expectations. At the close of the 2005 growing year, using this climate control system improved energy efficiency at the company by 42%.

Hot air heating costs can be cut
Companies with ‘low-energy’ crops usually have a very irregular gas purchasing pattern. In a free energy market this leads to high rates per cubic metre of gas. Growers and suppliers are inventively trying to find ways to reduce peak usage as much as possible. Installing energy-saving screens, applying temperature integration or programming a smarter heating control regime can be interesting options.

Thinning keeps crop in balance
The initial three months of sweet pepper growing are all about ‘building up a powerhouse and ‘balancing crops’. If the plant load is well managed, the plants will be well balanced in mid-February. The rest of the growing cycle then proceeds more smoothly. Exceptionally bad weather is the only thing can that spoil the equation.

Extra silicon leeds to stronger plants
Application of a silicon based substance has been shown to improve a plant’s resistance to stress, yield and post harvest quality.

Position of holes important for good drainage
Changes in cultivation systems call for more clarity about the number and position of drain holes in stone wool slabs. Cultilène has studied the effects of drain holes on sweet pepper and tomato. The position,
quality and number of the drain holes and when they are made have been found to have a significant influence on the controllability of the substrate and a successful harvest.

Biological soil disinfection
Biological disinfection is based on the principle of applying organic matter to the soil and, under wet anaerobic circumstances, allowing it to ferment. The gases produced then kill microorganisms in the soil.

Energy saving potential of dynamic climate control
New schemes are being developed to reduce energy consumption. One novel approach is to control the climate based on the resources available for photosynthesis. Experiments in Denmark show that it is
possible to save between 25% and 48% of energy consumption without affecting plant quality and production time.

1 to 1 relationships with customers are the key
The technology that delivered us the information age also allows even large multinational companies to build 1 to 1 personal relationships with customers. Mass marketing, niche marketing and tailor- made
products have all been surpassed. Today, 1 to 1 relationships are the key to finding and keeping customers.

Israeli exports rise to record level
After a few poor years, Israel’s horticulture sector has recorded record exports of fresh produce. Privatisation, innovation, advanced technology and being able to meet international standards have helped reverse the stagnating sector.

Is supplementary lighting worth it?
The use of supplementary lighting is growing in the Netherlands despite the fact that economically, it seems to be a non-efficient method of production. The ability to produce year-round, using greenhouse and labour more efficiently, appear to make it worth it.

Rotating crates improve aubergine sorting
Aubergines are vulnerable. Sorting and packing therefore has to be precise and attentive which costs labour. On the initiative of machine manufacturer, Greefa, aubergine growers Tom and Anita Bos of Vierpolders, the Netherlands, are working with them to develop a sorting machine which works faster and is more accurate than sorting systems which are currently available.