Propagation

Tailor-made approach for tray plants is financially advantageous

Five years of research by Delphy ISFC with the variety Sonata has proven that the special IPM approach has even more benefits:

• Better root development
• High blossom numbers (flower formation)
• Fewer failures
• Commercial growing of these tray plants is smooth and more homogenous
• Better plant growth
• Highest average number of fruits
• Above-average kg production of these plants, with an average of almost 80% Class I Large fruits.

The PlantoSys IPM approach therefore gives better results and more than halves the use of chemical plant protection products: from 8 to 3 applications. The approach also gives you a significant financial advantage; our advisor can calculate that for you!

Since 2021, Delphy strawberry advisors have included our IPM approach in their standard advice to tray plant growers.

The application schedule is shown below:

Keep your irrigation water clean with Blue Bac water-maintenance products

To propagate your tray plants as stress-free as possible, the plants must always have plenty of feed water available to them. This means having an algae-free water basin/silo and a pipe system that is free from blockages. Our solution is the use of our 100% natural water-maintenance products Blue Bac-1 and Blue-Bac-2.

No algae in the basin/silo with Blue Bac-1 and no blockages in the pipe system with Blue Bac-2

Both Blue Bac products are bacterial products, each with their own bacteria and therefore a specific effect. Blue Bac-1 reduces algae growth in basins. Dead algae can also be digested more effectively and easily. In just a short time, basins and silos will become and remain clear.

Blue Bac-2 is most effective when used in the pipe systems and drippers of your irrigation system. The enzymes produced by the bacteria in Blue Bac-2 create a very smooth 'coating' on the inner walls, which organic contaminants such as sand or phosphate deposits cannot adhere to. The use of Blue Bac-2 also has a positive effect on root development of the tray plants and helps you to maintain the pH level of your feed water (6.0 – 6.3).

Recommended dosage/advice - Blue Bac-1

• In the spring (April) administer 2 litres of Blue Bac-1/500 m3 of basin water as a starting dose. Do not start until the water has a minimum temperature of 15°C.
• Repeat the Blue Bac-1 application every month, at 1 litre/500 m3 of basin water until the end of propagation.
• For the best effect, thorough horizontal mixing of Blue Bac-1 in the water is required. Therefore, add Blue Bac-1 as far away from the intake point as possible.

Recommended dosage/advice - Blue Bac-2

• As the starting dose, administer 5 litres of Blue Bac-2/ha, in a single shot from a separate fertiliser injector or add to the day storage tank or the A fertiliser feeder. Repeat this monthly until the end of propagation.
• For the best effect, we recommend ensuring that the water is well aerated by using a Venturi or waterfall.

Tip regarding the use of hydrogen peroxide

If you wish to use hydrogen peroxide at the same time as our recommended products, please contact our advisor Alwin Scholten for our solution. The recommended products, SalicylPure, SilicaPower, ArgicinPlus, Soil Bac-1 and Soil Bac-2 are organic products and do not mix with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Blue Bac-1 and Blue Bac-2 are natural alternatives to H₂O₂ or other chemical disinfectants.

Alwin can be contacted on telephone number +31 (0)6 49 33 49 30, or by email on alwin.scholten@plantosys.nl.