iGrow News’ Post

There is mounting evidence that stone wool offers clear benefits for strawberry growers in high-tech greenhouse environments. But how easy is it to achieve those benefits in practice? And what are the biggest challenges? To find out, we asked Vera Theelen, Researcher Soft Fruit at the Delphy ISFC, to share her experience running a research trial growing strawberries in Grodan stone wool. Some highlights from her experience: ✔ easy preparation ✔ measure and monitor WC% and EC throughout the entire cycle ✔ continuous support from Grodan ✔ nearly year-round crop cycles Read the full Q&A with Theelen on the blog: https://lnkd.in/g_DV9phc

🌱 Fresh from Texas: Inside San Antonio's First Soil-Based Vertical Farm🌱 Soli Organic Inc., the nation's leading indoor agriculture company, has unveiled its most technologically advanced facility yet in San Antonio's mixed-use Brooks Community. This groundbreaking indoor vertical farm spans 140,000 square feet, including 100,000 square feet of production, with six vertical layers of growing capacity and 40,000 square feet for processing and packing. What makes this so cool? 😎 💡There is a use of resources, including 90% less water and 1/100th of the land compared to traditional outdoor farming. 💡They grow over ten different crops, including organic herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint, as well as salad greens such as spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce. 💡Soli Organic contributes to the local economy and quality of life in Southeast San Antonio. 💡Consumers can enjoy fresh, sustainably grown, organic produce right from Texas. San Antonio's world-class indoor organic high-tech farm exemplifies innovation and sustainability!🌿🌎 #SoliOrganic #IndoorFarming #Sustainability #SanAntonio #OrganicProduce

Fruit Focus 2024 🍓 This week, we had an amazing time at Fruit Focus at NIAB, East Malling. Here we showcased some innovations tailored for soft fruit growers, including: 🚜 Mini Jack Transport Fork: We demonstrated its versatility on all surfaces, handling up to 150 pots effortlessly with thumb steering and a driven wheel base. 🌱 Littywood Farm's success story: This succes story was featured on a large screen. Here we highlighted the use of Orius Cold, UniMite Air, and bumblebees to combat thrips with fewer chemicals. 🌿 Biogrow: You could see how the substrates ensure on-time delivery and labor savings for growers. 🧊 Orius Cold: Demonstrated its effectiveness in targeting thrips and eggs, even in challenging climates. 🐝 Easylure: Introduced our simple and effective design for mass-trapping rogue wasps in fruit crops, both reusable and recyclable. Thank you all for joining us and sharing your passion for innovation in fruit growing. If you missed it, you can still discover our products and success stories on our website. #fruifocus #uk #strawberry

Recent research has unveiled insights into optimizing raspberry harvesting practices, shedding light on the ideal color stage for peak quality and postharvest performance. Through meticulous experimentation, it has been revealed that raspberries exhibiting a captivating blend of pink and bright red hues are the best Color for higher postharvest behavior and extended shelf life. This study underscores the significance of physiological maturity in determining raspberry quality parameters. By targeting the pink and bright red color stages during harvesting, growers can ensure that their produce maintains firmness and freshness, ultimately enhancing market value and consumer satisfaction. Furthermore, the study highlights the pivotal role of storage conditions in preserving raspberry quality. Fruits harvested at the recommended color stages demonstrate remarkable resilience when stored at optimal temperatures, with potential for extended cold storage durations without compromising texture or flavor. In a marketplace where quality reigns supreme, these findings unlock good opportunities for growers and stakeholders alike. By aligning harvesting practices with the scientifically validated color recommendations, producers can elevate their offerings, catering to discerning consumer preferences and unlocking new avenues for commercial success. Stay tuned as we continue to unravel the secrets of optimal raspberry cultivation, empowering growers with knowledge and insights to thrive in an ever-evolving industry landscape. Together, let's cultivate excellence and redefine standards in raspberry harvesting practices! #RaspberryHarvesting #QualityProduce #PostharvestPerformance

Check out the insightful piece featured in the latest Good Fruit Grower newsletter! The article delves into the advantages of Dynamic Controlled Atmosphere (DCA) storage, shedding light on SCS's innovative LabPod and SafePod technology. This technology simplifies and demystifies the DCA storage process, offering real-time data and precision in line with the principles of precision agriculture, as aptly described by Christopher Watkins from Cornell University – "It's precision agriculture for storage." If you haven't subscribed to the Good Fruit Grower Newsletter or magazine yet, I highly recommend doing so. Stay informed with their excellent articles and stay ahead in the world of fruit growing, harvesting, storage, packing, etc.! 🌱🍎 #DynamicStorageAtmosphere #InnovationInAgriculture #GoodFruitGrower

At #Hazera and #Limagrain, we're all about growth. We believe that by growing together, thinking far, innovating, and investing in human capital, we can achieve great things. These are just a few of our goals as we strive to make a positive impact in the world. Join us on this journey towards the future. #Hazera #Limagrain #innovation #growth #investinginhumancapital Yossi Shapiro

Introducing the revolutionary Luna UCR avocado to #Mexico! Recognized as TIME’s best agronomic invention of 2023, this variety promises increased productivity and easier harvesting. Learn how you can get it for your plantation at our upcoming conference. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eZNujJRf #LunaUCRAvocado #AgriculturalInnovation

Dispelling Misconceptions: The Truth Behind Iott Seed Farms Amidst the intrigue surrounding Iott Seed Farms, one question often arises: “Do you still grow seed potatoes, or do you just make vodka now?” In response, let’s delve into the facts and set the record straight. Contrary to popular belief, Iott Seed Farms remains dedicated to its core mission of seed potato cultivation. With an […] https://lnkd.in/eKv9GKJ2

Open-field tomato cultivation come with challenges, ability to navigate through and still deliver make a grower an expert. No sugar-coated words, result will convince you... #tomato #tomatofarming #Openfieldcultivation #sustainablefarming #sustainableagriculturalpractices

Maximizing Red: Dive into the fascinating world of lettuce cultivation in greenhouses and uncover the secrets behind achieving the perfect red hue in your lettuce leaves. Learn how maximizing light levels, optimizing the environment, and selecting the right cultivars can lead to happier, healthier plants and a more visually appealing harvest. In the realm of greenhouse farming, achieving vibrant red hues in lettuce leaves isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a science. According to recent studies, proper light exposure is crucial for the development of anthocyanin pigments, the compounds responsible for the red coloration in certain lettuce varieties. In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers found that exposing lettuce plants to specific light spectra can significantly enhance anthocyanin accumulation, leading to more intense red coloration. But it’s not just about flooding your greenhouse with light. Optimal environmental conditions play a pivotal role in ensuring that your lettuce achieves its full color potential. Temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels must all be carefully balanced to create the ideal growing environment. Additionally, the choice of cultivar cannot be overlooked. Different lettuce varieties vary in their resp...