Benefits of weather forecasts
Weather forecasts can be useful to greenhouse growers. Not only via
radio or TV, but also via the Internet, where information can be directly
integrated in the automation of greenhouses. With this kind of
automation, a number of applications are available, which are not only
beneficial to heated greenhouses.

Mexico: High-tech facilities for US market
Mexican growers can provide vegetables in periods when the Canadian or Dutch product is not available. Tomatoes, bell peppers or cucumbers grown in Mexico can be quite easily transported by truck to the United States. In the central region of Mexico, the high-tech agroindustrial “Agropark” is designed to produce optimal quality. Recently, the first bell peppers have been harvested in the new greenhouses of Levarht in Queretaro.

Biological control of nematodes
The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne hapla, makes vegetable
cultivation in soil very difficult and is one of the greatest obstacles
facing the cultivation of organic fruit and vegetables. This nematode
can cause up to 40% losses in yield in tomatoes and cucumbers.
Various solutions to control this pest are being developed and the new
insights can probably be useful in the future for more effective
management.

Take strawberry cuttings with care
Cuttings for the propagation of strawberry
plants are made in many ways. The origin of
these plants, the way in which they have been
propagated, their further cultivation, and the
moment at which they are frozen, greatly
impact the production of the plant that will
ultimately be used for cultivation. It is worth
paying extra attention because it makes quite
a difference in respect to uniformity of the
plantbed or tray plant field.

Importance of oxygen- rich drip irrigation
Roots receive sufficient oxygen with a proper, airy substrate and the right irrigation strategy. This
has been the prevailing opinion until now. According to Fytagoras researchers, who have
developed a measuring instrument for oxygen in the root environment, this is too simple. They
think the consequences of oxygen-poor water and the scale of the problems are underestimated.

UV light saves resources
The first experiences with sending a self-propelled UV light unit through a crop to control fungi
and bacteria have been positive. The technique was introduced during the 2006 Horti Fair in
Amsterdam as a crop protection method, although it was first designed as an automatic leaf
picker.

Japanese candour about bean sprouts and cresses
Tomohori Nakada has a ten percent share in the Japanese bean sprout, making him the second
largest player in the market. Eight types of cress are grown and packed by this inspiring
entrepreneur. As the crops are very vulnerable to bacterial contamination, the company
pampers the products with highly hygienic measures.

 Consumer demand changed lettuce production in Spain
The growing demand for iceberg lettuce and fresh cut has
changed lettuce production in Spain over the past thirty years.
Latest developments in varieties will make the lettuce plants better
suitable for the fresh cut industry, while technical innovations are
in development.

Phosphites help control phytophthora in Avocado
Avocados are very sensitive to a disruption of
water availability and hence to the invasive
pathogen Phytophthera, which causes root
rot. It seems that in avocados the disease can
be controlled to some extent by foliar
phosphites.

The need for tailor-made substrates
Coir is increasingly sought after for use in horticulture. Its physical and
chemical properties make it a suitable substrate for soil-less culture.
One of the manufacturers, Pelemix, believes that through tailor-made
substrates based on segmentation, an optimal performance of the
roots can be achieved, but there are also other views.

Incentives will stimulate production in Portugal
Horticulture is considered to be one of the strategic sectors by the
Portuguese government. Tomatoes, potatoes and cabbages are the
most important vegetable crops. Climate and labour costs are
favourable, both for outdoor as for indoor production. It is expected
that incentives for investment will soon be available.