Switching from spraying to fogging has been a major change, and possibly a breakthrough, for Tomato Masters in Deinze, Belgium. Owner Tom Vlaeminynck explains that he used to spend 20 to 30 hours a week spraying crops. "It's not exactly my hobby," he says with a grin. "It's tedious work, and there are plenty of other things that need doing. Since we switched to fogging, I've saved a lot of time. Labor and time are valuable, and now I can focus on other tasks. That's made a real difference.
© Veugen Technology
Distribution
Tomato Masters now uses four Powerfogger TB60 units, which operate directly from the concrete path in the greenhouse. Each unit has an electric compressor that sends the mist slightly upward, where it's caught by two fans positioned about one and a half meters high. These fans blow the fog evenly across the crop rows. Tom usually stays nearby when the foggers or spray robots are running and has noticed that the fog reaches even the farthest corners of the greenhouse. "In fact, the foggers reach those areas better than our spray robot," he says.
When Ed Gerrits from Veugen Technology first visited Tomato Masters, the main question was whether the fog could penetrate the plant canopy and reach deep into the crops. "The answer is yes," Tom says confidently. "We grow red and yellow bell peppers, truss tomatoes, San Marzanos, and Intense tomatoes. Each has a different plant density, but the Powerfogger covers them all. The mist settles evenly throughout the canopy."
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Tom appreciates the Powerfogger's built-in timer, which makes operation simple. He often sets the system before dinner, lets the timer run, and checks the results afterward.
Not every crop protection product can be used for fogging, some are too thick or work better with traditional spraying. For that reason, Tomato Masters still uses spray robots for certain treatments. "But what doesn't work today might work tomorrow," Tom says with a smile. "Technology keeps moving forward."
For more information:
Veugen Technology
Platinastraat 9
6031 TW
Nederweert
T: +31 (0) 495 460 188
[email protected]
www.veugentech.com
Tomato Masters
Tom Vlaemynck
+32 933 577 01
+32 494 508 104
[email protected]
https://www.tomatomasters.be/
