Low Light, High Disease Pressure and the Importance of Keeping Crops Generative. Winter is often the period that determines whether a crop finishes profitably or simply survives until spring. The next three months will test growers' ability to manage light, energy, disease pressure and plant balance more than any other time of the year. As light levels decline and cold, wet weather becomes more frequent, we begin to see the typical winter challenges emerge. Across a number of sites I have already noticed the first signs of Botrytis and blight appearing. Once conditions favour these diseases, they rarely move backwards without intervention.

New Performance and Elite versions empower growers to optimize either upfront investment or long-term operational efficiency—without compromising on Philips quality

Signify boosts crop productivity and cost competitiveness at Yonam University smart farming hub with intelligent Philips LED lighting

An in-depth look at the ground-source heat pump system heating Stewarts Garden Centre in England and the opportunities this technology may offer commercial greenhouse growers in New Zealand. "Energy costs in the UK are currently extremely high compared with New Zealand. During discussions on site, electricity pricing was described as sitting around 22 pence per kWh, which converts to approximately NZ$0.50 per kWh. Considering those energy prices, the efficiency of the heating system was particularly impressive".

“Stone wool can make it easier for growers to face some of the current challenges”

How LED intercanopy lighting complements high radiation and transforms greenhouse production

Propagation in a controlled environment (plant factory) will eventually offer the potential to control plant development when planted out.

A Perfect Storm for Crop Performance

Trial paves the way for growers to capitalize on the market opportunity to provide locally grown bell peppers during the winter months.

Proven Hive Performance Suggests Auckland’s Climate and Crop Conditions Are the Key Limiters. Every year, Zonda receives calls from growers saying “the bees aren’t working” and requesting new hives. While hives are sometimes replaced, these cases consistently show that the bumblebees are performing as expected. The real challenge? Humidity, Auckland weather, and plant conditions.