In recent years, the availability of crop protection products has decreased considerably due to strict regulations. Also, increasingly fewer new products are allowed. This makes it more difficult for growers to comply with regulations and also the strict requirements of buyers. At Klep, they see that resilient cultivation is increasingly being applied, as is done at cucumber grower Jan Hendrickx.
He started testing biostimulants about four, five years ago. The reason was mainly pythium damage in his cucumber crop. "But the pressure from Mycosphaerella also played a role."
A look in the greenhouse at Jan van Maatschap J. Hendrickx-Oostvogels from Breda.
Preventive and structural
At Klep they see that, unlike before with crop protection products, growers with biostimulants are actually taking preventive action. "It is the reversal of a mindset," said Hans Timmermans, Jan’s advisor on behalf of Klep.
In order to reduce the entire disease pressure, Jan started first by looking very carefully at what would happen if he would use biostimulants. "But not much later I started doing that more consistently. Adding something a few times to the plant will ultimately not work, so you have to approach it structurally."
Roots and soil
Jan is now doing the latter. He uses Kriss, Folicist, Fylloton and Nov@ from the Biolchim-portfolio at Klep. Nov@ ensures a balanced growth and stimulates root growth, Hans explains. "This enables the plant to utilize a greater nutrient potential. To give crops the opportunity to grow optimally despite stress situations, we recommend a combination of Phylloton and Folicist."
Dripping
According to Jan, Kriss ensures that the plant continues to grow well. "Production is increasing, as is the quality. The plant responds well to it, so that also shelf life and taste improve. I hear that from customers and buyers."
Jan also drips Kriss at the plants, just like the other products. "That is very easy, although spraying can also be done. There is no residue."
Stronger plant
During the recent heat wave, the third crop was planted in Jan's 2-hectare greenhouse. "I planted in the middle of the heatwave and the plants were very weak because of that. Yet the cultivation is now fine, without suffering from pythium and other diseases. I believe that the use of the biostimulants helps and I am therefore happy with it."
For more information:
Handelsonderneming C.J. Klep B.V.
www.klep-agro.nl
Korte Brugstraat 100
4871 XT Etten-Leur
The Netherlands
+31 (0)76 501 2831
Hans Timmermans
+31(0)613860195