Starting next month, the Horti Demo Centre at the University of Stellenbosch will share its expertise through a series of short courses aimed at participants with all levels of experience (as well as those with no experience but a keenness to learn more from the masters in greenhouse technology).
Since the opening of the centre in October last year, in partnership with Dutch leaders in greenhouse technology, the concentration of future-fit Dutch horticultural technology – unique in the region – has captivated the many visitors to the centre, remarks Dr. Estelle Kempen, who heads up the facility that showcases resource-efficient production techniques illustrating the principles of circularity.
"Collaborating with renowned industry leaders such as Delphy BV, Greener Solutions, Ludvig Svensson, Ridder Group, Rijk Zwaan, Control Union, and Koppert South Africa places the centre in a position to offer a comprehensive blend of knowledge and cutting-edge technology spanning the entire horticultural value chain," she says.
Wide-ranging short courses
The Horti Demo Centre's collection of short courses on offer from July 2023 were designed with an eye on inclusivity, providing practical skills and insights to commercial and emerging farmers, students, agronomists, researchers, officials from local government and extension services, as well as value chain actors such as buyers and retailers.
"Delving into crucial topics such as crop production, greenhouse management, and business skills for horticulture, these courses empower attendees with practical skills and insights that will propel their horticultural ventures to new heights of success and unlock the full potential of your horticultural endeavours," she says.
Dr. Kempen, who combines an academic background with retail experience, adds that it is not only the curriculum of the short courses that will be empowering.
"Joining our esteemed network offers invaluable opportunities for collaboration and networking, allowing participants to amplify their impact within the horticultural landscape."
Horti Demo Centre principles applied to tomatoes
During its first six months, the Horti Demo Centre has established Rijk Zwaan's indeterminate growth tomatoes (various colors) to demonstrate a number of important principles of particular relevance in the South African context.
Right: the Horti Demo Centre's tomato production
"We planted them in September. Normally in South Africa, tomatoes crop for five or six months before they are replanted, but these tomatoes will only be replaced in August 2024. What we're showing here is that if you control the climate and pests, you can keep these tomatoes in production for up to a year," she says.
Here, too, Tuta absoluta is a given, but it provides yet another opportunity for the Horti Demo Centre to illustrate their approach.
"You cannot completely eliminate Tuta absolute, and we've also had it, but through a very strong IPM programme, we are keeping it under control, including pheromone traps, bio-agents like the Bt bacillus and the Beauveria bassiana fungus. We're experimenting with predatory wasps provided by Koppert, one of our partners in the Horti Demo Centre. But," she points out, "what is crucial is regular scouting, at least once a week."
A greenhouse requires reliable electricity, which is one of the main concerns of South African farmers, Dr. Kempen remarks. The Horti Demo Centre will be investigating alternative electricity with the researchers at the engineering department of the University of Stellenbosch.
Rainwater collection: sine qua non in a new greenhouse
"One of the most important measures that we've implemented - one that's not yet in wide use, at least not as much as it should be - is rainwater collection. We nearly came through the whole summer on our rainwater," she says.
All of the runoff from nutrient solutions leaching from the bags is collected, filtered, analyzed for what might need to be added, and then re-used.
"The University of Wageningen has done studies into the savings effected through the re-use of water and nutrient solutions: a saving of between 40% and 70% on water and fertilizer through re-use can be effected in a greenhouse. Our water use efficiency is exceptional."
Rainwater's big advantage is its low sodium chloride levels. "You almost never need to flush, and you can use it almost indefinitely. Rainwater isn't used in South Africa nearly enough. There's a lot of unlocked potential in rainwater use in greenhouses. In fact," she adds, "no new greenhouse ought to be erected without a rainwater collection system."
Second from the left is Dr. Estelle Kempen, with University of Stellenbosch students Adaduma Msana and Kolosa Nakani on the right.
Courses in July and August
Basics of financial management - 10 to 14 July; Tomato production - 24 July; Greenhouse management: Hygiene - 25 July; Crop rotation - 25 July; Crop strategy - When to plant and harvest - 25 July; Cultivation system - Type of trellising - 26 July; Crop management - Twisting and pruning - 26 July; Greenhouse management - Climate control - 3 August; Fertigation - Irrigation management and nutrition management - 17 August; Post-harvest management - 25 August; Global GAP certification - 25 August; Greenhouse design and construction - 31 August
Dates for courses from September onward are to be announced soon.
For more information:
Dr. Estelle Kempen
Horti Demo Centre
info@hortidemocentre.co.za
www.hortidemocentre.co.za