No more Phytophthora by adding super-charged copper ions to the irrigation water. That is precisely what Emiel van den Oever of Spectraplant found to be the case after the Aqua-Hort was installed. "Six months after installation, copper ion levels were back to normal. Since then, we have had no more trouble," says grower Emiel van den Oever.
Emiel van den Oever of Spectraplant next to the Aqua-Hort
Spectraplant
Nursery Spectraplant is situated in the Dutch town of Westerbeek. The family business is currently cultivating 3 hectares. From mid-August to late October, crops mostly consist of potted chrysanthemums. Kalanchoes, a species of tropical flowering plants, are grown year -round. "In the latter part of the season we were plagued by Phytophthora," says Emiel, "leading to considerable damage among crops. Some varieties are more susceptible to it than others, but by the time they are affected by the disease, they’ve already been in the greenhouse for 16 to 20 weeks."
Van den Oever heard some good stories about the Aqua-Hort, and he decided to have one installed. The Aqua-Hort machine adds super charged copper ions to the irrigation water, by leading the water along positive and negative electrodes. The free copper ions kill bacteria and fungi and make the roots of the plant stronger against external influences. The treated water also stops algae growth and keeps the pipes clean.
Van den Oever heard some good stories about the Aqua-Hort, and he decided to have one installed. The Aqua-Hort machine adds super charged copper ions to the irrigation water, by leading the water along positive and negative electrodes. The free copper ions kill bacteria and fungi and make the roots of the plant stronger against external influences. The treated water also stops algae growth and keeps the pipes clean.
At Spectraplant, supplied cuttings of Kalanchoes are manually inserted into three pots, after which they go to the first growing phase through a fully automated system.
The installations of Aqua-Hort. After mixing, the water goes through the Aqua-Hort installation. The water can be easily recycled: in the Aqua-Hort, the desired level of copper ions is achieved.
The first stage of the cultivation takes place above the packing space. Kalanchoes grow under diffuse glass in the first few weeks. They then move to the ground floor of the nursery.
Phytophthora
At Spectraplant, problems with Phytophthora, “the plant-destroyer”, were completely gone six months after the installation of the Aqua-Hort. "At the time of purchase we were experiencing much damage. A mere six months after installing the unit, our Phytophthora problem was completely solved," says Van den Oever. "It takes you a while to get the balance right. The copper level needed time to restore. Since then, the disease has disappeared from cultivation."
At the nursery, a more compact, easier-to-fit version of the Aqua-Hort was installed, the tank model.
More good results have been achieved with the Aqua-Hort in young plants, potted plants and orchids.
For more information:
Aqua Hort
Aksel de Lasson
Tell: +45 702 26 611 |
aksel@aqua-hort.dk
www.aqua-hort.dk