GROW!

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The greenhouse horticulture sector in the border region has very high productivity, takes second place as the exporting region in the world and is internationally the most innovative. Smart crossovers between greenhouse horticulture with high tech systems and materials can provide a reinforced position. The specific crossover between sensor technology and horticulture offers great opportunities, but is insufficiently used to date. GROW! sets out to change that. GROW! will improve ion selective sensors for measurements of pH and nutrients in water to know which nutrients are absorbed by the plant. In addition, it will optimize climate sensors for measurements of temperature, humidity, CO2 and ethylene, among others. With the right sensors, plant diseases can be nipped in the bud and abiotic stress can be measured and prevented. The sensors to be developed must be compact, robust and preferably inexpensive and use little power to be able to be integrated. In addition, research is being done into the best method to process and visualize the collected sensor data. For this type of research the bundling of Flemish and Dutch knowledge is essential. Specifically the physiology, pathology and stress of the tomato plant are examined. Data is linked and interpreted through intelligent mathematical models that should enable the tomato grower to make accurate decisions for an optimal qualitative and quantitative crop yields. In addition, the value of the sensors, data systems and plant models are also tested in lettuce crops in a number of greenhouse horticulture companies and vertical farms. With chicory, research is carried out, among other things, on how water flows from top to bottom and what the leafy vegetable 'eats'.

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