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Van Nifterik, Hazeu Orchids

"This is a revolution in the world of orchid sticks"

At Hazeu Orchids, the first Pretact® treated bamboo sticks have officially been taken into use. After a long process of testing and cooperation between Van Nifterik and Hazeu Orchids, Van Nifterik is now introducing Pretact in two different treatment forms. A logical step towards further sustainability for the orchid nursery.


Theo Wolbrink of Van Nifterik, Arno Hueting and Paul Verstegen of Hazeu Orchids

Due to changing growing conditions, including the change to LED and less availability of fungicides, mold on sticks is an increasingly common problem. Van Nifterik therefore saw the need to look for alternatives. In the search - which started some 2.5 years ago - they set up their own test site and tried many combinations of agents. Hazeu also actively participated in the trials. Eventually, Pretact emerged from there.

"Our patience has been sorely tested, but we are very happy to have taken this step together with Hazeu," explains Theo Wolbrink of Van Nifterik. "It is quite a step in the right direction when it comes to sustainability, and this will also allow us to move forward for quite a few years. Pretact will make the plasticized sticks redundant."

Paul Verstegen, Sales manager at Hazeu Orchids adds: "A few years ago, we already switched to the hexagonal pot to grow as sustainably as possible. This is one more step in this process. The choice we made in this for Van Nifterik was also a conscious choice." Hazeu Orchids was involved from the very beginning by testing the sticks at its own production sites. In doing so, the entire year of testing revealed no fungus and no damage to the plant.

Pretact is available in the traditional dyed black colour and caramelised, Hazeu's choice. Caramelisation burns the sugars out of the stick, which gives reduced susceptibility to fungi and makes dyeing unnecessary. It gives a natural look.

Theo concludes, "This is a revolution in the 'stick world'. No one expected that - despite taking so long - it has happened so quickly. Several growers have now made the choice for Pretact-treated sticks and it is expected that this treatment will be available sector-wide as early as this spring."

This week, Van Nifterik will be present at the IPM in Essen (Hall 6, 6G37), where Hazeu's orchids with the new Pretact sticks will also be on display.

For more information:
Van Nifterik Holland
Bonnetstraat 40
6718 XN Ede
Tel: +31 (0)342 424 166
[email protected]
www.vannifterik.com

Hazeu Orchids
Schimmelpenninck v/d Oyeweg 93
2645 CC Delfgauw
Tel: +31 (0)15 257 4240
[email protected]
www.hazeuorchids.nl