Diseases and pests are a constant worry in the supply chain. While quality requirements are increasing, the public support for the use of pesticides is decreasing. What are the alternatives?
Three researchers talk about their insights
During the Flower Science Café of 30 March, three researchers will talk about the innovative methods they are working on. Methods that increase the quality of the product, and can count on public support. Looking at making the sector more sustainable through microscopes.
One of the speakers is Martijn Rep, researcher of the UvA. “We research which proteins are used by Fusarium oxysporum to invade and colonise host plants, resulting in disease symptoms. Each isolate Fusarium oxysporum is host plant-specific. In recent years, we gained an insight into the genes involved in causing diseases and host plant-specificity. We can use these as markers for molecular detection.”
Henk Gude will talk about the progress in ‘The New Processing,’ a project in which environmentally friendly disinfectant techniques and immersion and foaming techniques are developed for bulbs. Additionally, he’ll give an insight into the research for new detection techniques for diseased bulbs and new concepts for energy saving.
Rabobank Bollenstreek is host
The Rabobank supports socio-economic developments in, among other things, bulb cultivation and trade from the Innovation Fund. The fund focuses on renewal, transfer of knowledge and sustainability. From this fund, the Rabobank is also involved with the research into diseases and pests. It is therefore no coincidence that Rabobank Bollenstreek is the host.
Programme:
16:00 - Reception
16:30 - Start of the substantive part
- Martijn Rep, UvA
- Henk Gude, WUR
- Willem van Leeuwen, HSLeiden (Generade)
17:30 - Networking drinks
18:30 - Closing
The details of the programme will be added in the coming weeks.
Interested?
Please feel free to come to the Flower Science Café at RaboBollenstreek on 30 March, Wilhelminalaan 3, 2182 CA Hillegom.
Please sign up so that we know how many people to expect.