In search of the perfect glass
Just referring to horticultural glass in no
longer correct. Nowadays, growers can
choose between standard glass, hardened
glass, white glass, diffuse glass and AR-glass.
Recently, a Latvian company presented a very
promising new type of coated glass for use in
greenhouses, called GroGlass.

Revival of Plexiglas
Glass and polythene film are the usual materials used to cover greenhouses. Double skin
Plexiglas is less common. The high price was a reason for growers not to choose it. But
increasing energy costs makes that reason out of date.

NIR-screen as an energy saving solution
As well as PAR-light, UV and NIR light also
penetrate greenhouses. In months with cold
weather, NIR helps to warm the greenhouse.
However, during the summer the incidence of
NIR light means that greenhouses require
extra ventilation or cooling. Various methods
can filter NIR from the greenhouse.

Innovative fruits in Berlin
Healthier, tastier and more attractive to look at - these are the features
of the new tomato, pepper and cucumber varieties presented at the
Fruit Logistica trade show held in Berlin. It is obvious that seed
companies are looking further into the real consumer demand.

Mauritius is looking for horticultural partners
Mauritius wants to transform from a net food importer into a more
self-sufficient producer of agricultural products and to increase the
competitiveness of their exports of fruit and vegetables. ESIPP is a joint
programme of the European Union (EU) and the Southern African
Development Community (SADC). The goal is to promote potentially
successful projects by matching European and African companies, for
example in Mauritius.

Seed maturity is no longer a guess
The use of vigorous and healthy seeds is an
essential start for all commercial crop
production, so seed quality is of utmost
importance. The seeds are tested for their
germination capacity and the absence of
pathogens. The germination capacity is,
amongst others, determined by the ripeness
of the seed. However, this is very difficult to
identify and often the optimal harvesting time
is only a guess. Harvesting too early results in
immature seed and harvesting too late means
a loss of seed. A new method makes it possible
to measure the maturity of seed and to
improve on when the harvesting moment is.

Affordable alternative to closed systems
Semi-closed greenhouses are a hot issue because of the energy
savings they can achieve. However, semi-closed greenhouses require
many technical adaptations and are very expensive. In many countries,
they are not feasible because building aquifers is impossible. Dutch
consultancy Climeco devised a simple alternative which will save
almost the same amount of gas for a lower investment.

Portuguese fruit producers focus on export
Fruit production in Portugal is less diversified than vegetable
production, as is described in Fruit & Veg Tech (2008) nr. 1.
Grapevines, oranges, apples, pears, peaches, nut fruits and olives
dominate fruit production. The sector modernised faster since Portugal
joined the EU and there has been clear efforts to increase yield and
quality to guarantee the internal supply of fruits and to further increase
exports.