THE NOVEL APPROACH OF FARMING.

THE NOVEL APPROACH OF FARMING.

Evaluation of performance of ferti-activator Sanbio PLANTA on the organic greenhouse production of tomato variety ´Amaroso F1´ in Germany

Gera-Aga, Germany (September 03, 2014) – The interest of German consumers in organic vegetables remains stable. Another clear trend is towards high-quality convenience products in organic quality. A ‘green is good’ mentality is still very common in Germany. Fresh-cut products need much service time, manpower and benefit an increased risk for manufacturers and retailers. The price difference to the standard products is still relatively large. It is not yet fully understood by German customers that cost for convenience products are quite high.

The cultivation of glasshouse vegetables in Germany can be divided into three main products: tomatoes, field salad and cucumbers. Since 2003 the greenhouse acreage of these vegetables has grown continuously: tomatoes by 23.4%, salads by 4.5% and cucumbers by 17.5%.

1.  Background

Biohof Aga was built in 2010 and is one of the most modern greenhouses in Europe. The organic farm is adapted for handicapped workers and collaborates with another farm that breeds chickens and collect eggs. Biohof Aga grows mainly organic tomatoes, cucumbers and salads, and sorts out the eggs coming from the farm. Biohof Aga is a production facility of the association “Lebenshilfe Werkstätten Gera gGmbH”.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of ferti-activator Sanbio PLANTA on productivity and storage stability of tomato variety ´Amaroso F1´.

2.    Materials and methods

Table 1. Basic data

Season 2014-2015
Location Germany, State Thuringia, Gera-Aga

  Picture 1: Production site
Organization Biohof Aga
Organic standard Naturland
Crop Tomato
Variety Amaroso F1
Trial field 1 block system, size 2 ha
Soil quality 34-60
Crop rotation 2013: Cucumber 2014: Cucumber
Fertilization Organic fertilizer only: compost, poultry dung
Pesticide None
Irrigation Drip irrigation
Pollination Humblebee
Test product Sanbio PLANTA, manufactured by SANBOS GmbH, Germany
Dosage 1.5 kg/ha, 300 l water/ha
No. of applications 1
Date of planting  
Date of application July
Date of harvest September
Scoring Yield, plant vigor, storage stability

Table 2. Product presentation of Sanbio PLANTA

Product name Composition Description Application
Sanbio PLANTA Activated blend of natural seaweed, nutrients, trace elements, selectively and adapted highly effective natural bacterial cultures and mycorrhiza fungi, activated by SANBIO  Biocatalytical Stimulation Technology Fertilizer and biological activator (certified in France, Germany, EC, USA)Stimulation of plant growth and immunityBetter protection against fungal diseases and biotic and abiotic stressBetter control of factors favorable to plant growthBetter germination and growth of vegetation and development of roots and shootsColonization of roots by beneficial microorganismsBetter mobilization and assimilation of nutrientsEarly flowering and maturationIncreased production and improved quality Dosage: 1.5 kg / ha in 200-500 l of water   No. of application: 1-2   Mode of application: Soil application   Stage of application: 3-5 leaf stage  

3.   Results

3.1  Yield

Table 2. Productive performance

Treatment   Control (untreated lot) PLANTA (treated lot)
Ripening   7 days earlier
Plant vigor   Good Very good
Yield 2014 kg/m2 34.6 41.2
Yield 2015 kg/m2 36.2 42.4

Figure 1. Total weight of harvest (kg/m2)

3.2  Plant vigor

Picture 2. Untreated rows 2014      

Picture 3. Treated rows 2014

Picture 4. Untreated rows 2015

Picture 5. Treated rows 2015

3.3  Storage stability

Picture 6. 23.07.2015, day 0, storage temperature 25~35°C

Picture 7. 13.08.2015, day 21, storage temperature 25~35°C

Picture 7. 17.08.2015, day 25, storage temperature 25~35°C

Picture 8. 21.08.2015, day 29, storage temperature 25~35°C

Sanbio PLANTA has positive effects on storage stability and shelf life of tomato.

4.  Conclusion

The present study shows significantly positive effects of SANBIO PLANTA on productive performance, plant health and sensitive parameter:

  • Higher harvest (+15.1%)
  • Earlier ripening (7 days earlier)
  • Good plant vigor
  • Larger roots
  • Improved storage stability (tight skin, delayed mold and decay, enlarged shelf life.