Netherlands: Important role multispan polytunnels in testing disease resistance of crops

Last week De Ruiter Innovations opened their doors for visitors. The company that is working on developing and improving their product rose for almost 100 years now, had an open house. Shortly before this day Meteor Systems delivered two multispan polytunnels that were put into use directly. During the open house it became clear what kind of important role the multispan polytunnels have in the breeding process of the roses.

Climate control plays an important role in testing the disease resistance of the crop. It goes without saying that the climate in a multispan polytunnel is controlled in another way than the climate in a regular greenhouse. It is, of course, strongly depending on the type of cultivation you have and which type of greenhouse you choose. A few years ago, on another location, De Ruiter Innovations already had a few multispan polytunnels in which they tested numerous types of crops on disease susceptibility and other important aspects for breeding process. The fact that in a multispan polytunnel you are able to create a colder climate, and you have more possibilities to expose the crops to wind and cold makes it possible for De Ruiter Innovations to test the crops in all ways necessary. By changing locations De Ruiter had to manage without multispan polytunnel greenhouses for a while. Last month Meteor Systems has completed two brand new multispan polytunnels. “We are happy that we can use them again!” says Ad van Rooijen – R&D Manager at De Ruiter Innovations.

The multispan polytunnels are designed and set up according to the specific wishes of De Ruiter Innovations. “We had a silo on the exact place the greenhouse is standing now. For us it was good to know that this could remain at its place and the new one could be built around it. In addition it was important for us that 3 rows of tables could be placed in the right way. We now have a tunnel with a width of 10 meters and one with a width of 4 meters. This way the space comes out perfectly. Meteor Systems also created an attachment to our existing greenhouse. Which is a great advantage because this way no weeds or diseases will get into the crop.” Ad van Rooijen tells satisfied.

For more information:
Meteor Systems
Munnikenheiweg 58
NL 4879 NG ETTEN-LEUR
T: +31 (0)76 504 28 42
F: +31 (0)76 501 82 43
E: info@meteorsystems.nl
www.irrigation.com

Publication date: Wed 17 Jun 2015