Measuring and detecting whether blossom end rot is starting somewhere on a plant and then seeing how a plant recovers at night. A lot is possible with the sensors in greenhouses these days. But can one use these measurements to improve their cultivation?
A treasure trove of information
The 2Grow sensors can continuously measure the water absorption and water balance of the plant based on the sap flow and stem diameter. “Although a treasure trove of information, that can really help visualize the effect every action has on the plants in the greenhouse, can be gained from the measurements, there is still a lack of knowledge and information to really use the information whilst cultivating”, says Oliver Begerem.
Combining with cultivation knowledge
"The measurement system is currently used in various companies, but we do notice that we still need to improve upon it before the sensors can be used in daily crop management. To realize this, relations will need to be established between measurements, the greenhouse climate, and the plants' physiology. This problem falls in line with the developments in the field of data-focused cultivation in which Delphy researches. Because of this, we will be working with Delphy Improvement Centre for the coming period in order to combine data with cultivation knowledge.”
Measuring plant reactions
The sensors measure the plants' reaction in a change in climate, as can happen during irrigation or lighting, but also the reaction when pruning and harvesting. “We can already see when the plant is weakening or strengthening and then visualize which actions are the possible cause of it so we can avoid them. Furthermore, we have reason to believe that we are able to detect the beginning stages of blossom end rot by mapping out how the plant recovers during the night time. We can also see the moment of tearing in tomatoes, and in cucumbers, we have recently measured guttation.”
"By combining the possibilities of the sensors with current cultivation knowledge as well as the experience that growers now have with the system, new steps can be taken in controlling the plant.”
For more information:
2Grow bvba
Aelmeerstraat 5, 9070 Destelbergen BE
Tel: +32(0)498 / 38.86.68