Germany: Emsflower reduces chemicals by 80%

Emsflower, owned by pot-plant grower Bennie Kuipers, cultivates a large number of crops at its headquarters in Emsbüren, including potted chrysanthemum, violets, poinsettia, potted roses, lavender, hibiscus, sunflowers, and other potted and bedding plants. Emsflower's products are distributed to supermarket chains throughout Europe.

Crop manager Jeroen Stamsnijder explains how the company uses a biological approach where possible in the fight against pests. Crop rotation at the organization is a complex task. The company also has to move the crops regularly, making it easy for pests to move from an infected crop to a healthy one.

In December 2014, Emsflower began to use Koppert Biological System's Airobug on its hibiscus crop. Theo Schaabbenk, responsible for the crops: "It is possible to regulate the speed at which the Airobug moves and disperses beneficials in one operation, moving from the centre path to the outer wall and back. Once it's back at the centre path, I refill it with beneficials and hang it on the rail for the next row. It is extremely simple to use."

Jeroen Stamsnijder has calculated that Emsflower has been able to reduce the amount of chemicals used on its hibiscus by 80%. He hopes that Koppert will find an opportunity to develop more effective biological corrective agents. "We are sometimes forced to use corrective agents on crops that are not sufficiently protected by using beneficials alone. Of course, we'd rather use biological than chemical products. If more biological corrective agents were available, that would be a solution."

For more information:
Koppert Biological Systems
Email: info@koppert.com
www.koppert.com