WUR and Hoogendoorn contributes to the future of horticulture

Added on 07 December 2023

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WUR and Hoogendoorn contributes to the future of horticulture

Photo Courtesy of Hoogendoorn

For many years, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and Hoogendoorn Growth Management have closely collaborated to shape the future of the horticulture sector. This partnership has led to the development and implementation of advanced technologies that driving the sector to innovate. A milestone in this longstanding collaboration is the introduction of the IIVO computer, enabling WUR to manage their greenhouse compartments with the utmost precision for various research purposes.

The role of WUR

Wageningen University & Research is globally renowned for its leading research in agriculture, food, and the environment. WUR is dedicated to developing innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and productivity of the agricultural sector. This includes research into various aspects of horticulture, such as crop growth, climate control, and resource management.

IIVO: The New Generation Computer

An essential aspect of the collaboration between WUR and Hoogendoorn Growth Management is the implementation of advanced computer systems in the greenhouse environment. The IIVO computer, the latest addition to the series of systems used by WUR, enables researchers to manage their greenhouse compartments with unprecedented precision. This is crucial for conducting various research projects, where precise control over factors like temperature, light, and humidity is essential.

Innovation at Wageningen University's Unifarm Greenhouses

While the collaboration between WUR and Hoogendoorn Growth Management shapes the future of horticulture at a systemic level, there are tangible examples of this partnership that demonstrate how these advanced technologies are applied in practice. One such example can be found in the Unifarm greenhouses of WUR.

In an expansive area of 15,000 square meters with 150 compartments, innovation and sustainability are put into practice. Unifarm serves as a center for the cultivation of genetically modified plants and conducting critical quarantine research. What sets Unifarm apart are the innovative under-pressure and over-pressure systems, strategically designed to contain diseases within the compartments and prevent them from infiltrating from the outside.