Joint research by ErfGoed and Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture into the impact of disinfectants on fusarium on four different types of floors, has revealed an interesting side effect. Though fusarium spreads easily on irrigation mats and on concrete floors, it develops very slowly on the ErfGoed Floor. After three weeks, waste was nearly 100% on the concrete floor and the irrigation mat. By contrast, there was only 20% waste on the ErfGoed cultivation floor.
A remarkable result, says ErfGoed Managing Director Hugo Paans. “Our cultivation floor does not only have a positive effect on the prevention of infectious fungal diseases, but also on their spread. Growers have ample time to intervene in case of infection. And that’s a great advantage.”
Strong and healthy crops
According to Paans, the risk of diseases such as fusarium on an ErfGoed Floor is almost nil. “Plants turn out to develop much stronger roots than with traditional drip systems or spray irrigation. The ideal microclimate on the cultivation floor ensures a healthy and strong plant.” According to the managing director, the absorbency of ErfGoed Floor is also an important factor. “No puddles form on the surface, as, for instance, on concrete floors.”
The Wageningen UR research has also shown that the ErfGoed Floor contained antagonists. As a result, infected plants had less trouble from all kinds of diseases and remained more vigorous.
To a higher level
The Moerkapelle based company is constantly looking for ways to improve its products. Paans, “We develop our cultivation floors based on our mission which is to keep taking horticulture to the next level. This means we regularly conduct practice-oriented research in cooperation with Wageningen UR to achieve substantiated and objective results. This way, we create the most ideal growing conditions, minimising the crop’s susceptibility to diseases. There is virtually no waste. On top of that, disease spreads extremely slowly on this floor. That’s wonderful. When you consider that during this test 100% of the plants were contaminated, a mere 20% waste after three weeks is really remarkable.
Both small and large-scale growers
Over the past decades, ErfGoed has established itself as the leading player in the national and international cultivation floor market. Paans: “Our approach makes an important contribution to this success. We are constantly looking for practical solutions and are not stopped by obstacles. Because we are in close contact with growers, we immediately hear about the problems they encounter in practice. In cooperation with them, we look for the best solution. We are happy to involve them, whether they have a small or a large-scale business. We are passionate to help growers increase their production and profits.”
For more information
ErGoed
Hugo Paans
Bredeweg 59
2751 GH Moerkapelle
T: +31 (0)79 593 38 00
F: +31 (0)79 593 19 58