Its aim as always, is to provide propagators from around the world with a unique opportunity to catch up on the latest technological developments within the industry and to strengthen global networks.
What does 10x greater efficiency mean for you in propagation.
Frans Peter Dechering, Corvus Drones
Robotization and AI are entering the greenhouse. And the ‘Sillicon valley’ high tech credo 10X is embracing us. It means that high tech should make the growers work 10 times faster, better, cheaper, more insightful, or leaner. Drones are the new growers’ eyes and give new insights and perspectives. Do I have enough plants to fulfill my sales contract? What is the expected quality? What should I do now to deliver the best possible plants? Early-stage seed germination detection or growth monitoring by autonomous flying drones enable the leanest possible supply chain. Practical examples are given about several applications.
Implementing LED solutions for propagators.
Gert-Jan Goes, Fluence
As LED lighting solutions become more common in greenhouse production also the specific spectral demands for the individual crops become clearer. Propagators typically focus on wide range of crops, varying from the well-known vegetables like Tomato, Cucumber and Sweet Pepper but also a broad selection of ornamentals. Different crops, varieties and plant stages are grown in the same propagation area. WPK (Westlandse Plantenkwekerij), a well-known propagator based in the Netherlands, implemented for season 2021-2022 a broad-white FLUENCE LED lighting solution at 2,5 ha of their propagation area. We would like to share our experiences.
Innovative technology for climate uniformity in propagation.
Sven van Heijningen, Alcomij
Peter van der Avoird, Van der Avoird Trayplant
Directing air flow through the supporting greenhouse columns is an innovative solution to achieving an even climate profile in the propagation greenhouse. With the ventilation unit integrated into the column, the column also becomes a measuring point. From which visual heat maps can be generated. An algorithm is used to control each fan independently, thus the temperature and humidity differences in the greenhouse are almost eliminated. It is a construction integrated solution. Growers can use the information generated by the heat maps to adjust their screen strategy. From the point of view of energy savings, this can allow the greenhouse vents to remain closed longer.
At Van der Avoird Trayplant, 308 fans will be installed in a new greenhouse for the cultivation of strawberry and raspberry cuttings. It is the first major commercial pilot. During our presentation we will outline the technology and share with you the experiences of the propagator and why a decision was made to install them in the new greenhouse.
Strawberry propagation on stone wool
Thomas Peters, Grodan
As the share of out of soil growing and demand for year-round strawberry production increases, protected produce becomes more and more important. Our products can make the difference in making the next step off sustainability, production, quality, steerability, both in fruit production and in propagating of young plants.
How can robotization in propagation help the grower?
Raymond van den Berg, ISO Group
ISO Group was one of the first companies that introduced automatic grafting for vegetable plants.
At this point ISO Groups still continues to help growers with their grafting process by automating the skillful and labor intensive task of grafting young vegetable plants.
In this presentation ISO Group will dive into the history, present and future of automatic grafting.
As well as the challenges, the opportunities and conditions for automatic grafting.
Steps to seed excellence.
Peter Vredenbregt, BASF Vegetable Seeds
The presentation will explain the end-to-end supply chain processes within BASF vegetable seeds for high tech cucumber seeds. This starts with the handover from R&D to Operations and ends with the delivery of seeds to the customer. It will address as much as possible all aspects that are important for plant propagators as seed health, seed quality and predictability. The current best practices in seed production, processing, supply chain and quality assurance will be discussed as well as new trends and innovations for future supply excellence. It is the aim to give the best possible insight into what we do as seed company and industry to deliver high quality seeds to the market.
Advances in biocontrol for plant propagators.
Martin Zuijderwijk, Biobest
For the International propagation seminar I’d like to give a flavour of what we’re working on in line with this year’s theme Technology and Innovation. No matter where you are located we’re all facing dramatic reductions in plant protection products. One of them being the bio-fungicide Asperello, which results in pragmatic experiences against root diseases such as Pythium. As for technology, PATS C and Trap Eye are tools that help us monitoring flying insects automatically. To be prepared for any pest presence we all monitor sticky traps which takes time and human errors are realistic. Why not let the software do the trick when and how often we want it. Finally we all require skilled employees, with this in mind I’d like to introduce the Biobest Academy. The academy is there to assist you with your training needs and in doing so improve the success of integrated crop protection strategies in your business.
How to apply the basic principles of Plant Empowerment in propagation.
Ton Habraken, Ludvig Svensson​
Plant Empowerment is synonymous with Next Generation Growing, where stress is no longer a factor. The use of climate screens in propagation can prevent plant stress to a significant degree. This in turn results in greater efficiency.
Beekenkamp is well-known in the world of horticulture. They work with vegetables, pot and bedding plants, packaging, and chrysanthemums. Beekenkamp Group brings together the strengths of three companies: Beekenkamp plants, Deliflor, and Beekenkamp verpakkingen (Packaging). Read more for Beekenkamp.
Ben Nikaj, Grodan
Grodan partners with the Wageningen University and Research Facility and top growers from all over the world; in order to develop the optimal stone wool substrate and irrigation strategies for indoor and greenhouse medicinal crops. Read more for Clonal propagation of medicinal crops.
Anthura produces strong young plants that are compatible with the most innovative production techniques. They We create novel cultivating techniques in order to achieve the most optimal Orchids and Anthuriums. Read more for Anthura.
Cultivation for compounds is a consortium of companies, committed to a four-year collaboration on research about the cultivation of medicinal crops for their compounds. All partners ensure that the research is carried out in accordance with the highest standards and the most recent methodologies available on the market. Read more for Cultivation for compounds.
During this two-days event you will have the opportunity to network with people of the sector and exchange knowledge and experiences. We will keep you updated for the activities during the event!
Location of the International Propagation Seminar 2023
“IPS is a great opportunity to network with fellow propagators. I found that especially as covid is easing it is really nice to get out and share as well as learn from others, the IPS is a great platform for this.“
Young plants propagators are facing big challenges right now. From plant diseases to energy saving, people management & adequate logistics. We participate so many years in IPS powered by Grodan because we find answers to those challenges!
“IPS has brought me several new contacts in the international young plant-companies. Building a network outside your immediate scope is necessary to continue to innovate in the future and to adapt to the changing world.”
We are a global leader in the supply of innovative stone wool substrate solutions for the professional horticultural based on Precision Growing principles.
