Hortimec recently delivered an additional thirteen spray booms equipped with Crop Protectors to Bejo Seeds. These spray booms are equipped with UV-C lamps. Bejo aims to work organically and stop using chemicals. To nip fungal diseases in the bud, or rather to treat the crop preventively, UV-C light is used.
The lamps are integrated into the spray boom. Chemical treatment is socially undesirable in horticulture. That trend is clear. Therefore, Hendrik Mast of Hortimec sees an important role for companies like CleanLight. CleanLight is the party Hortimec collaborates with when it comes to the application of UV-C light through their spray booms. Combined with biological agents, UV-C light makes it possible to cultivate without chemicals. The video below explains how this works.
Arjo van der Sluis
Arjo van der Sluis of CleanLight indicates that Bejo Seeds has been using their UV-C light technology for 12 years to protect their crops against fungi like mildew, Pythium, and Fusarium.
Hans van den Berg of Bejo Seeds sees the results of UV-C treatments: "We see that it kills fungus and strengthens the crop. Diseases don't get a chance to develop. It was pioneering at the beginning, but now it stands firm. We produce strong, organically grown plants that are in no way inferior to conventionally grown plants."
Ramon Ramdani works with this technology every day at Bejo Seeds. He also affirms Hans' words: "Moreover, it's easy to work with. It's as easy as pie because it's automatic. How great is that!"
Hans van den Berg
Multi-functional spray boom
The Hortimec spray boom can do more than just UV crop protection. It's multi-functional. Firstly, the boom is used for watering. The flat spray nozzles ensure a uniform water distribution, which leads to uniform growth. The extra side nozzles prevent dry edges in the summer. This reduces water consumption by 30–40%, because watering can be done shorter and more frequently with less leaching.
Additionally, the spray boom can be used for biological crop treatment. Through a Dosatron with a special mixer on the spray boom, one can quickly and easily treat the crop. There is a separate pipeline on the spray boom with fine nozzles. A special mixer on the spray boom prevents demixing during the treatment.
Ramon Ramdani
Humidity is controlled by means of an external computer start and extra fine nozzles on a separate pipeline. Another humidity control with high pressure is unnecessary; with low humidity, it can also lower the temperature in the summer.
Hortimec can also equip the spray boom with cameras for crop surveillance and/or monitoring if desired. Through cameras, the crop is monitored, and diseases and pests are easily detected. The spray boom does not cause wind like a drone, making it possible to generate a clear image without moving crops.
Hendrik Mast
Bejo Seeds
In the nineties, they were among the first breeders to fully integrate 'organic' into their activities. As a family business, they believe in this sustainable approach for the long term and want to commit to it. They believe that 'we must carefully manage our natural resources.'
Being both a conventional and organic grower leads to beautiful cross-pollinations. "On one hand, the organic way of producing provides inspiration and new ideas for the conventional way of producing. On the other hand, we can further build on the knowledge, experience, and infrastructure that we have developed over the past century with our organic activities."
For Bejo, breeding for organic production means using a broad genetic base and the latest technologies. Breeding for organic production also means that they can develop varieties with better resilience and high yield, produce high-quality seeds, and stimulate innovation.
For more information:
Hendrik Mast
Hortimec
+ 31 6 204 373 42
[email protected]
www.spuitboom.nl
Damian van Dijk
CleanLight
+31 6 40 39 57 90
[email protected]
www.cleanlightglastuinbouw.nl