Certhon is introducing Gronos for use in a high-tech greenhouse. The concept has been developed to such an extent that it is now also suitable for cultivation with daylight. The labor-saving advantage remains.
Fully automated cultivation system
Gronos is an automated cherry tomato cultivation system. It is designed as a turnkey solution where all components are aligned for maximum efficiency. A computer controls and adjusts the growing conditions in the greenhouse, and people know exactly what production to expect. The crops move, on tables, to where they need to be in custom-made NFT chutes that give the plant the support it needs. A machine harvests the loose cherry tomatoes without anyone having to touch the plant.
The above requires a different type of plant. And that has been developed. Gronos uses a plant that grows no higher than 40 cm and is grown from seed to harvestable plant in 15 weeks. The shape of the plant means significantly less labor is required.
The small plants still start in an enclosed room without daylight but move to a high-tech greenhouse after a while. After 15 weeks, the next cycle starts with a new plant.
GreenTech
Certhon is organizing knowledge sessions on 14 and 15 June at the Certhon stand in Hall 5, stand 5.250. At 3 pm, Jaap Weerheim and Don Kester will share all the ins and outs about Gronos.
In addition, on both days at 11.00 am, there will be a presentation by Martin Veenstra and Bob van der Helm in which one can learn more about the potential of data-driven cultivation and hear how to make better cultivation decisions by using quantitative indicators. And at 13.00, Timo Kleijwegt and Damion Schwarzkachel will share information about the Harvest Robot and how the collaboration between Certhon and DENSO is leading to a significant impact on tomato growers.
During all these sessions, Certhon will share their expertise and vision, and there will be ample opportunity for questions, answers, and discussion.
13 - 16 June
On 13-16 June, people are invited to tour the Certhon Innovation Centre. The Certhon Innovation Centre is a 240 m2 research facility. It is dedicated to the development of advanced solutions for greenhouse and indoor cultivation. In the large-scale test facility, new technology, growing recipes, and processes can be tested and optimized before being implemented in commercial horticulture.
Certhon believes that by combining their expertise in botany with the latest technological innovations, they can provide truly future-proof solutions that meet the needs of growers and researchers worldwide.
You can register for a visit here.
For more information:
Certhon 
ABC Westland 555
2685 DG, Poeldijk
Tel.: +31 (0)174 22 50 80
info@certhon.com
www.certhon.com