Effective Microorganisms (EM) in Horticulture: A Sustainable Approach for Enhanced Crop Health and Yields

The use of Effective Microorganisms (EM) in horticulture has proven its effectiveness in various agricultural domains. They contribute to maintaining the health of cultivated crops and maximizing yields. EM can be applied both to the foliage and the roots, resulting in more vibrant flower and leaf colors.

An essential aspect of utilizing EM in horticulture is its ecological sustainability. Given the increasing pressure for pesticide regulation and the rising demand for high-quality products and food, alternative solutions are sought after. EM provides a natural method to enhance plant health and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

To achieve an effective application of EM in horticulture, a specific application method is required. ULV aerosol generators have demonstrated their efficiency and time-saving advantages. These devices enable precise distribution of EM onto the plants and optimal absorption through the foliage.

Gardener Martin Schaertl, who manages a 4,000-square-meter operation in Germany, tested the application of EM on cut chrysanthemums over an area of 700 square meters. He began by applying the initial EM preparations over a four-hour period from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Subsequently, he kept the ventilation closed until 8:00 AM the following day and even maintained shading for 24 hours. Despite a slight dew formation on the leaves, no damage occurred after three days. Encouraged by these results, he slightly adjusted his recipe and continued with weekly nebulization. He used a five-percent concentration of EM, six liters per greenhouse, until the chrysanthemums began to display color. Despite the high concentration, there was no damage; instead, he observed beautifully dark green leaves. Additionally, stunting the chrysanthemums was unnecessary. His conclusion: “Well-nourished without a gram of chemicals.”

Martin‘s core solution comprises products like MK 5, BB Blatt, MK Boden, Terrafert, and Biplantol. He exclusively uses Multikraft products, as mixtures with other preparations led to damage. Martin continues to rely on EM application, as it significantly helped in reducing pests like aphids and thrips.

Similar positive outcomes were achieved with poinsettias. By nebulizing EM with a three-percent concentration, the plants not only exhibited deep green colors but also proved resilient enough to withstand a nighttime temperature drop to 10 degrees Celsius without any harm, even for delicate varieties. In the case of Erysimum, successful work was conducted through cold fogging with a concentration of up to five percent. In primroses, they remained compact and grew as if stunted, similar to when using Tilt or Bonzi, due to the biostimulants.

In the bedding and balcony assortment, the use of biostimulants and the misting procedure consistently avoided chemical inhibitors. Still, Martin Schaertl maintained or even improved the high-quality standard. He also managed to effectively control pests throughout the year, as the misting procedure impacted from the top, and through the ebb and flow system from the bottom. The only challenge that remains is dealing with additional purchases, which he is currently working on addressing.

The use of biostimulants allows for a significant reduction in chemical application throughout the year, if not complete avoidance. Schärtl summarizes his experience as “Achieving the best quality with a light touch.” Thus far, no incompatibilities have arisen in his operation.

The application through the ULV aerosol generator is extremely time-efficient. Instead of manually applying 100 liters, he fills six liters into the Unipro5 cold misting device, presses the button, and can enjoy a coffee break during the process.

Compared to misting devices with fans, the ULV aerosol generator Igeba Unipro 5 offers clear advantages. Igeba’s devices are characterized by a strong airflow and high impulse of the aerosol spray, leading to a significant reduction in turbulence. This positively affects the distribution of the preparation. Additionally, the operating principle allows for easy cleaning since EMs tend to adhere. A quick rinse with water is all that is needed.

The application of biostimulants and plant fortifiers through a ULV aerosol generator provides an efficient and time-saving method to enhance plant health and productivity. The use of EM in horticulture is becoming increasingly important to meet ecological standards and boost the economic success of agricultural businesses.

Download als PDF

Effective Potato Sprout Inhibition with IGEBA Unipro40T and Orange Oil

As potato farmers in Germany, Mr. Krüssel has consistently sought ways to reliably inhibit potato sprouting while improving crop quality. Fortunately, they had the opportunity to test the IGEBA Unipro40T device with orange oil – a decision that has proven extremely advantageous.

My name is Jens Gommer, and I am a close friend of Meik Krüssel, the owner of the potato farm. Although I work full-time at the city utilities, I have a solid technical background that greatly benefits me in handling the Unipro40T. While my friend is not a fan of technology, he was also impressed by the equipment’s simplicity and user-friendliness.

In total, we used the Unipro40T ULV aerosol generator in two of our bulk storage facilities, each equipped with large roll-up doors. The potatoes were stacked to a height of 5.5 meters, and Meik Krüssel placed the fogging equipment directly at the entrance. The mast with the spray head was located inside the storage, while the blower and control unit were positioned outside. This clever configuration, along with sealing a small gap of approximately 30 cm with boards, allowed him to optimize the effectiveness of potato sprout inhibition.
For the fogging process, he used a total of 80 liters of orange oil for 1000 metric tons of potatoes. Half of this amount was fogged at a rate of 20 l/h, while the other half was treated at a rate of 35 l/h. This combination achieved a wide range of droplet sizes. The finer droplets easily penetrated the potato stack, while the coarser ones acted more aggressively against the potato sprouts. The results were promising, and he took samples from a depth of 80 cm, expressing great satisfaction with the outcomes.

After each treatment, he cleaned the active substance line outside the storage by fogging 10 liters of clear water at the highest setting (72 l/h). This enhanced the cleaning process and prolonged the hose’s lifespan. Surprisingly, he was still using the original pump hose, which had been in operation for approximately 30 hours.
Another crucial factor for the success of potato sprout control was the ventilation system in the storages. He only used the devices in “well-ventilated” storages and noticed that many potato storages had insufficiently sized ventilation systems. In his own planning, he considered a higher-capacity ventilation system, typically used for carrots. This allowed him to quickly cool and dry sandy, moist potatoes, which had a positive impact on the fogging process.

Thanks to their positive results and enthusiasm for the IGEBA Unipro40T ULV aerosol generator, the word spread in their region. Numerous other potato farmers expressed interest, and they even considered offering fogging as a service. The manufacturer recommended the purchase of two devices to work simultaneously in large storages or treat two storages in parallel for smaller facilities. The results until the end of May will provide further guidance on the purchase of these devices.

In addition, they also tested the product 1.4 Sight, originally intended for use with thermal fogging devices. Although they were not allowed to use such devices due to fire risks, the manufacturer permitted cold fogging. The effectiveness was promising, and they plan to continue testing various approaches to achieve the best possible results.

Overall, they are highly satisfied with the IGEBA Unipro40T aerosol generator and orange oil for potato sprout inhibition. They extend their gratitude to IGEBA for the testing opportunity and look forward to convincing more farmers of the benefits of this system. Undoubtedly, the use of this device has improved their potato harvest, ensuring the delivery of high-quality potatoes to the market.

Download als PDF

Benefits of the Unipro40T

Labour saving , better working conditions , more frequent applications , more efficient use of staffing, fast return on investment in capital , very responsive & fast response from Igeba staff on trouble shooting and problem solving.

90% of pesticide applications are now undertaken by the Unipro with the last 10% being spot treatments so  we are saving a lot of Euros on labour.

For too long we as a company were trying to coordinate pesticide applications around dispatch teams whish was always difficult but became close to impossible towards the end , this is eliminated with the Unipro.

Programmes now run at night with no risk to staff also when applications go on at night the vents are closed so reduced risk to bees and native pollinators.

We can now achieve even distribution and correct volume applications that was difficult to achieve when applying using a boom sprayer sop calibration is 100% each and everytime.

We grow in polytunnels with no heat and during the winter months struggled to continue fortnightly applications due to factors such as temperature , high humidity , lack of drying and also short days just made the hard work very hard work  , using the unipro means applications use 90% less water and whole structures can be trated in a very fast and efficient manner. We have noticed an improvement in th equality of the plants all round and are still learning the whole time.

I thought our pesticide bill would increase as we now treat the whole structure at a time but after going back over the last 3 years our pesticide bills are actually lower than what they were in the past.

The unipros have very quickly become an invaluable part of our business growing model , the investment that was made was justified and the more we use them the faster our return as the labour is now gone on having 2 men spraying the tunnels on weekends & bank holidays or starting work at 05.00am during the summer months.

Foggers running every 10 days , no heating & all cold house production , as all growers know its the over wintered long crops that are the most fraught with difficulty , having being potted in July the product cycle is long with many obstacles to be navigated across multiple growing seasons spanning late summer  – Autumn – through to winter and spring the following calendar year.

2022/2023: we are through our second winter now and the crops are of exceptional quality again , it has been a longer , colder and wetter winter than the last one and the crops are still at the upper limits of what would be expected  for this type of cold house production.

Download als PDF