- Anthurium pot plants produced in light-diffused greenhouses equipped with Svensson’s Harmony screens were ready for sale at 16 weeks compared to the normal 22 weeks, claims lead researcher of the WUR, Leo Marcelis. Plants were also notably better quality. The trials also included Bromelia varieties, with finished products ready two to four weeks early.
Researchers structured trials with Anthuriums and Bromeliads in separated greenhouses, each about 150 m2 (1,615 square feet). The two greenhouses with Harmony light diffused screens with light treatments of 10 mol PAR/m2 per day, and 7.5 mol PAR/m2 per day are brought to attention. Each was equipped with Svensson energy curtains, and misting systems provided relatively high humidity levels.
While Anthuriums are typically ready for sale at 22 weeks, the pot plants in the diffused-light greenhouses were ready at 16 weeks. In addition, quality was significantly improved, with plants in the 10 mol greenhouse 25% heavier than typical. Production of the Bromeliad varieties Guzmania and Vriesea were sped up, with plants ready up to a month earlier than normal.
- - The results are clear: Allowing more light while applying the light-diffusing Harmony shading screen, together with an adapted climate strategy, results in 25% growth speedup and a higher quality of pot plants, says Paul Arkesteijn, Climate Performance Analyst of AB Ludvig Svensson.
For more information:
AB Ludvig Svensson
Paul Arkesteijn
Climate Performance Analyst
[email protected]