New WUR research on controlling pest and diseases in hydroponics
This spring, an investigation was launched at Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture to obtain more clarity on this subject. A greenhouse in Bleiswijk has been especially adapted for cultivation on water with the Dry Hydroponics system. In this greenhouse 10 separate ponds have been made where different treatments can be performed. There are opportunities for cooling or heating the water , to maintain a different pH or EC. It is also possible to create differences in the circulation and flow rate of the water, to aerate the water or to enrich it with additional oxygen. Potential additional (biological) agents may be added in each individual system.
First of all, the systems were tested with cultivation of lettuce. In the 1st and 2nd cultivations, lettuce grew very well. Considerable differences in crop and root weight were observed. Another cultivation of lettuce will be performed this fall, in which the effect of different treatments on the infection of lettuce with the fungus Phytophthora is examined.
The research is financed by the Dutch Product Board and Peaks in the Delta and crop management is advised by growers.