The mobile FluoMini photosynthesis sensor provides Maarel Orchids with new insights to optimise the cultivation. Cultivation manager Johan Langelaan applies them and yielded better results with lower costs. He is enthusiastic about the added value of his new tool.
For Langelaan, working with data is a daily routine. The recently commissioned photosynthesis sensors create a new data flow. In combination with the climate and production data already obtained, it yields new insights and options to optimise the cultivation strategy.
The cultivation manager explains: "The photosynthesis sensor continuously measures the quantity of chlorophyll fluorescence and the incoming PAR-light on the plant's leaf. These metrics indicate how efficiently the plant is using the available light for photosynthesis. Until recently, we did not have real-time information about this. Now we do have it, we can also establish the relation between the other variables and the photosynthesis efficiency. Think of plant temperature, air humidity, temperature in the greenhouse, relative humidity, moist deficits, screen positions and PAR-light. By playing with these, and seeing the results, brings any points for improvement quickly to the light".
The FluoMini photosynthesis sensor of Sendot Research in action
First findings
For some weeks, Langeloon monitored the photosynthesis in twee orchid varieties. He compared the data with other data collected. "Those few weeks of measuring and analysing have already yielded many clues for optimisation. The cultivation circumstances have a lot of influence on the light efficiency. In the coming weeks, we will install more photosynthesis sensors to keep control in all cultivation stages. I believe it is important to monitor the entire cultivation. because every stage has its own optimum and requires different set points. Purposefully measuring created opportunities to make plants grow better and more efficiently, which results in higher yields. The first 'quick wins' have already been made."
Johan Langelaan
FluoMini Photosynthesis sensor
Maarel Orchids makes use of the FluoMini photosynthesis sensor of Sendot Research. This is developed and tested in cooperation with knowledge partner Plant Lightning and cultivation advisor Bonte de Jong of FytoConsult. The photosynthesis sensor provides growers the option to track the use of light by the plants closely and detect stress situations in an early stage. This enables them to quickly correct the cultivation circumstances in the right direction and have their crops perform maximally.
For more information: 
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