Recently, Rijk Zwaan informed the industry about a trial at Botany, a research and development partner, that aims for energy reduction in the cultivation process. “Many growers worldwide are affected by increasing energy prices, making it an important topic within the industry. As a vegetable breeding company, we collaborate with research companies such as Botany in finding innovative ways to support growers to face this challenge” explains Marcel van Koppen, Crop Coordinator Cucumber at Rijk Zwaan. In this video, Rijk Zwaan shares the first findings.
Energy-saving trial at Botany
In this trial, Botany researches the impact on the cucumber production of low CO2 concentration and less ventilation in the greenhouse. Therefore, in the so-called trial greenhouse, Botany steered on the ratio temperature and assimilation, reduced ventilation and did not add CO2. This approach is compared to a standard CO2 and ventilation strategy in the reference greenhouse (HNT). Rijk Zwaan participated in the trial by testing different cultivars and sharing their expertise. Watch the video to get a sneak peek of the first findings. Final results will be presented by Botany on 8 November 2023.
