Rose grower Marjoland, based in Waddinxveen in the Netherlands, has invested in three Meto UV-C robots from Berg Hortimotive. The machines are designed to combat diseases and pests in ornamental horticulture. The robots were purchased in combination with a Meto Trans unit, enabling the system to operate fully autonomously.
Crop specialist Erwin van Adrichem of Marjoland explains that powdery mildew in particular is a recurring problem in the nursery. "Previously, we intervened using a combination of chemical and biological sprays. A drawback of that approach is that it introduces moisture into the greenhouse, which then requires additional energy to remove. With the UV-C robots, the crop stays dry, which is a significant advantage."
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When selecting a new system, Marjoland evaluated several options. Many available machines proved too wide for the existing greenhouse layout. The Meto UV-C robots addressed this issue: they are compact, run on battery without disruption, and treat every aisle on alternating nights. The company also expects a considerable reduction in crop protection product use. "We want to monitor this for a full year before attaching specific figures to it," says Van Adrichem.
The choice for Berg Hortimotive, in combination with dealer Steenks Service, was a straightforward one for Marjoland. The nursery has worked with equipment from this supplier for some time and values its reliability and ease of use.
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UV-C light as a sustainable alternative
Where diseases and pests have traditionally been managed with chemical or biological products, the Meto UV-C robots use UV-C light. This offers several benefits according to Erwin: it is more sustainable and eliminates the need to spray crops directly. Research indicates that UV-C light can combat bacteria and fungi as effectively as conventional crop protection products.
Fully autonomous crop protection
Combined with the Meto Trans, the robots operate fully autonomously. This type of system is also commonly used alongside spraying robots. The UV-C robots can furthermore be customised to suit almost any greenhouse configuration.
The machines were delivered in December through Steenks Service, a long-standing dealer for Berg Hortimotive. Since then, Marjoland has expanded the system with three additional robots for other sites, a clear sign of confidence in the technology.
© Steenks Service
For more information:
Steenks Service
Tel: +31(0)174 510266
[email protected]
www.steenks-service.nl
