The transition to resilient cultivation began in 2021 when the company started applying Trianum-G and the Vidi products Fortum, FunCal, Parva, and Terrum from Koppert. This decision was driven by the awareness that synthetic crop protection products are becoming increasingly scarce and that there is great potential in reducing soil-related disease pressure and enhancing natural resilience.
“We tested different products, and our current system approach is delivering good results,” says Tom Joris. “This approach relies on combinations of products applied at different times, including organic fertilizers.”
Products and Their Functions
Just before planting, the plant-based organic fertilizer pellet FunCal and Trianum-G are mixed into the planting bed. FunCal contains nutrients and stimulates soil life.
“It actually serves two purposes,” explains David van Dijk, a product specialist at Koppert. “Extra calcium ensures better absorption of this element. The product has been in use at this company since last year and remains effective for eight weeks.”
Trianum-G contains the soil fungus Trichoderma harzianum T22, which colonizes plant roots and effectively combats diseases. Pathogenic fungi such as Rhizoctonia, Pythium, and Fusarium have fewer opportunities to infect the roots as a result.
Parva is a root stimulant applied during the first two irrigation cycles after planting (at one-week intervals). It contains amino acids and an herbal extract that stimulate auxin production, helping plants develop deeper and faster root systems.
The third treatment involves spraying Terrum and Fortum over the crop three times during weeks 2, 3, and 4 of cultivation. This supports a stress-free transition from the vegetative long-day phase to the generative short-day phase.
Noticeable Effects
Van Dijk explains: “Terrum contains amino acids that the plant can absorb directly, reducing the energy it needs to produce them itself. This allows the plant to allocate more energy to growth. Fortum, a seaweed extract with a broad spectrum of trace elements, makes plants less susceptible to heat stress. This effect has been well-documented in scientific literature.”
What does the grower observe? Joris responds: “I can see that the biostimulants and fertilizers work. The plants root faster and develop fine, well-branched root systems. We no longer experience issues related to poor rooting, and overall growth is improved. The plants are visibly more resistant to stress, particularly during the short-day phase, which is typically a stressful period for them. The crops look strong, uniform, and healthy.”
Confirmed by Biosensors
Last year, Wubben initiated a new trial in collaboration with Vivent Biosignals, a Swiss biosensor manufacturer. Within the same crop sections, some plants were treated while others were not. Sensors were placed in both sections to measure the differences.
Van Dijk explains: “The biosensors provide real-time visualization of crop activity, moisture balance, light utilization, and the uptake of specific nutrients. Whenever a plant experiences stress, it becomes visible in graphs and charts. The sensors offer a surprisingly clear picture of how much stress a plant is under, what the cause is, and how quickly the plant recovers.”
The sensors from Vivent Biosignals have sparked both amazement and enthusiasm but are not yet widely used in practice. Sales director Carl Rentes states: “The sensor provides a holistic view of multiple parameters, giving real-time insight into the plant’s natural rhythms and the factors that disrupt them. This offers cultivation managers concrete data to adjust their strategies as needed.”
Less Stress, Faster Recovery
The data revealed astonishing results, with one common theme: treated plants experienced less stress, recovered significantly faster, and grew better. “To our surprise, the final irrigation sessions in the late afternoon or early evening caused a great deal of stress,” explains the consultant. “In untreated plants, recovery could take up to a day and a half. Treated plants, however, were fully recovered within just two hours.”
These findings were also reflected in physical measurements at two other nurseries. Parva led to a 15% increase in root mass and 5% heavier branches after four weeks. Terrum resulted in 1 to 1.5% heavier branches at harvest.
Fully Convinced
Joris concludes: “We have now implemented biostimulants and organic fertilizers across the entire company and adjusted our irrigation strategy.”
Koppert is expanding this approach to other chrysanthemum growers, as the trials have attracted interest from a group of growers who have followed and discussed the results. Van Dijk explains that these recent applications and experiences in chrysanthemum and santini cultivation build upon earlier trials in strawberry farming. In those trials, stimulating biodiversity and altering the mineral balance through the use of Trianum-G, Vidi products, and reduced application of directly available mineral nitrogen had a positive impact on plant vitality, plant sturdiness, yield, and the reduction of disease and pest pressure.
Joris adds: “We have also examined potential effects on thrips, aphids, and soil nematodes, but we’re not yet certain about the results. A richer soil life should theoretically lead to more competition, which could slow nematode reproduction. In theory, this could delay or even eliminate the need for soil steaming. The analyses show some effect, so we may be able to make adjustments in the future.”