News

Expansion and Improvement for Multi-layer Strawberry Cultivation

Tholen - The trial for multi-layer strawberry cultivation at the Hoogstraten Test Centre is expanding. Currently, the final winter crop is being harvested. After this, researchers will work on the exact setup of the next trial. It is certain that instead of 6, there will be 18 rows of 3 or 4 layers. The final decision on the number of layers has yet to be made.

HPS partly replaced by LED lights at Primato, Belgium: "In our view, the only logical option is to use LED"

Half of the HPS fixtures at the Belgium tomato nursery Primato have been replaced with LED toplights, allowing both intensity and spectrum control. Kevin Primato explains, "Now we can maintain the same light levels with half the lamps as we did with the HPS before. We aim to use 80% LED and 20% HPS."

From hibernation to illumination: Europe’s tomato greenhouses pick up winter production

As spring finally begins to take hold in Europe, it may seem distant, but in a few months, the plants for winter crops will be back in the greenhouse. And there are significantly more than in recent years. The North-West European tomato market is relighting. Not only are existing lamps being turned on, but further growth is also on the horizon.

The new COOLSTACK® grow light breaks records for high wire crops

In the ever-evolving landscape of greenhouse agriculture, MechaTronix takes a bold step forward by introducing an exciting innovation to their existing COOLSTACK® Dynamic Growlights.

Dynamic light strategy in high-wire crops was already proven to be the optimal approach in the lighting season 2023-2024.

MechaTronix Expands its Presence to Canada with Two New Companies

Leamington, Ontario - MechaTronix, a leading provider of innovative LED grow light solutions, announces the establishment of two new companies in Canada, Leamington, reinforcing its commitment to the North American market...

Buying an LED installation is one thing: learning how to use it is another

After a long run-up, pot lily and pot chrysanthemum producer Van Schie started using two different LED installations in 2022 and 2023. “Finding out how to integrate grow light, climate controls, and energy management in a smarter way is a continuous learning curve for us. The climate computer plays a key role. The controls in Priva Connext are therefore frequently updated and extended,” says co-owner Marcel van der Voort.

With help from Holland Innovative and Stogger, TNO can now detect defects in entire solar panels

With sixteen 500-watt lamps, special filters and lenses that ensure that only the very weak infrared light reaches the camera sensor, the ideal configuration has been found.

Koen Vangorp, Mechatronix: "Looking to open our North American operations early next year"

As Mechatronix gears up to launch its North American operations in January, its participation in the Canadian Greenhouse Conference represents a small yet significant step towards entering this market. According to Koen Vangorp, the company's CEO, they anticipate achieving DLC certification for their lamps by November. "This certification is set to open doors in North America, where the demand for fully flexible lighting solutions is growing, as it empowers growers to grow at optimum efficiency and at the lowest operational cost, even in the face of rising energy expenses."

Colruyt collaborates in new growing solution: "We are convinced of the potential of vertical farming"

At first glance, it looks like an ordinary vertical farm, which is what Koen Vangorp of MechaTronix and Kim Vancauwenberghe of Colruyt Group Smart Technics stand for. Strawberry plants, purple light, watering, and ventilation, meanwhile, all very ordinary. Yet there is more to it. The new CoolGrow CV VF was developed specifically with an eye on less energy consumption and more production. "We are convinced of the potential of vertical farming, but we also see that operational costs and installations need some changes to be sustainable," says Kim. "That's been achieved with the CoolGrow VF."

Using Leds To Improve Quality

The Dutch greenhouse chrysanthemum area is estimated to be somewhere between 500ha and 600ha. Five of these belong to Rubens. Located near the Dutch town of Heerhugowaard, an hour north of Amsterdam, the family run business has grown chrysanthemums for over 50 years.

Family Leeuwis Opts for More Light and Lower Energy Costs: 'Absorbing Electricity Price Peaks with Dimmable Lamps'

Chrysanthemum growers Leeuwis originally planned to install hybrid lighting throughout their entire operation, but due to the energy crisis, half of the greenhouse was equipped with full LED lighting while the other half remained empty. Six months later, the growers are more than satisfied with their choice. "The transition went smoothly, and with current prices, we have more profit."

LED: Europe revokes, North America explodes

After months of uncertainty, Western European growers are finally moving forward with their decision to install LED lighting, according to Koen Vangrop of Mechatronix. "Due to the uncertainty in the energy market and subsidies, the commercial season started late," he said. "However, we are now seeing many growers opting for the installation of LED lamps, both in vegetables and flowers. In contrast, the North American market is booming like never before. They are choosing optimal flexibility in terms of spectrum and intensity, allowing them to easily convert their greenhouses for different crops."

CJ Orchids & CornelisJan Flowers switch to Full LED units by MechaTronix

"Thanks to full LED and controllable far-red the quality of our chrysanthemums excels"

In both phalaenopsis and chrysanthemums, Dutch growers CJ Orchids and CornelisJan Flowers recently switched completely to full LED. A third garden with campanula will follow soon. The fixtures are produced by MechaTronix, both greenhouses are equipped with full LED and separately controllable far-red. In addition, the units are dimmable.

Research into bulb cultivation in greenhouses or growing chambers

In order to be able to produce clean starting material for the cultivation of bulbs, we’re looking at how we can produce flower bulbs, which are traditionally grown outdoors, in greenhouses or growing chambers. That way we can keep viral and bacterial diseases at bay in indoor cultivation.

LED light dances to Linkin Park song in Chrysantemum greenhouse

Many growers are facing high energy prices. It can be difficult to cope with that, and while some had some technology in place that helped them save on the electricity bill, others had to make the painful decision of halting winter production. There are some growers, however, who tried to find a quick solution. While this can be quite tough to do right off the bat, it's surely not impossible.