Netherlands: From seed to grafted plant

Hollandplant is one of the nurseries working with subphylum of De Ruiter. With a large team of 75 persons, up to possibly 400 in times of high activity, Hollandplant produce any number of grafted tomato and aubergine plants. LivingNieuws discussed grafting and the requirements of customers with planner Abdul el Ousrouti.

Twelve years ago Abdul arrived at Hollandplant. He is now the planner in the company and responsible for realising the many orders arriving daily via the sales department. Abdul: "As soon as an order arrives I make sure that the seeds and other materials are ordered and plan the space in the glasshouse. A logistic puzzle. Growers order plants from us, specified as per variety, date and all other requirements. Hollandplant will make sure, that the plants satisfy the requirements of the client at the correct times, so that the grower can plant in time."

Abdul el Ousrouti

Exact grafting

For grafted plants there is the exact fit of the subphylum to the stem. 'From germ tests and experience we know of course exactly when we can graft Admiro onto Maxifort for instance. The moment of grafting has been planned exactly. At Hollandplant grafting is not done by machine, but sorting is.'

A grafted plant goes through various stages. First of all the seeds of the subphylum and the stem are planted. As soon as they are sufficiently grown and are of the same size, they are grafted. Both are cut slantwise and held together with a grafting clip. After that the grafted plant is put into a grafting tunnel for a while, where humidity, heat and light are important factors, In this way subphylum and stem grow into one plant and combine the best plant properties of both plants. From the grafting tunnel the plant, which is then still small and tender, is planted out or put in a pot. During the last phase the plant is put in soil and has time to grow into the right size for transfer to the grower.

Hygiene

Abdul: ‘Hygiene is important for our company. We are very strict with the measures taken, galoshes, disinfecting, protective clothing.... No exceptions for anybody. Requirements are even more strict for the department where enting takes place. The enting department is only open for the staff, who are involved with the grafting. Before entering the grafting department they have to pass through a second disinfector.'

Growing strength

Abdul: 'The choice of subphylum is also decided by the customer, who wishes a special growth in his cultivation and manner of cultivation. Maxifort is for us the most important subphylum, with which we graft a lot. But some aubergine growers

choose for a somewhat more generative cultivation and then order Beaufort. Actually aubergine plants are an increasing segment, in which we grow further every year. I think 95% of all tomatoes are now grown on a subphylum.'

Source: LivingNews, Monsanto