GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGY ▶▶▶
however, was genetic. Zamecnik says the pre- dominant view was June-bearing varieties – strawberries that bear fruit in June – were pref- erable for transplant production, and they were encouraged to invest in these varieties. Consequently, his family initially acquired the rights to grow “some good varieties” based on the European model. Prolonged high temperatures and humidity, however, made the June-bearers fruit all at once, eliminating the possibility of any season- ally longevity for both fruit growers and retail buyers. As a consequence, Zamecnik says they switched to growing ever-bearing strawberry varieties. Production mediation in such condi- tions proved to be much easier and more relia- ble. However, it also meant some significant in- vestments that were made in equipment necessary for June-bearing varieties – such as a large in-greenhouse heater, as well as a storage freezer – were no longer relevant. “It’s not as easy as just bringing that technology here,” says Zamecnik. “Tech is also expensive. We need to
There also are 33 acres of high- bush blueberry bushes at EZ Grow Farms.
see what is possible and what works best in the Canadian climate, and go from there.”
Next-step developments In terms of next steps, Zamecnik says he and his family are looking for more flavourful and soft varieties that the greenhouses in Ontario want to grow. These, it is hoped, can eventually be substitutes for the often comparatively tasteless and hard strawberries (a necessity given long and rigorous travel requirements) of imported fruit. “That might include looking at some older genetics as well,” he says. Refining plant development timing is another factor. Ever-bearing varieties provide a better starting
place than June-bearers, but Zamecnik says there is potential to match the individual needs of growers and retailers more closely. This would include adopting new technologies to better refine their feeding program – one that can make nutrient changes according to plant needs as they grow, for example – as well as more minute temperature control sys- tems that can keep the leaves warm despite potentially cooler conditions in the surround- ing air. “We are trying to hone in on each grow- ing minute we are using,” Zamecnik says. “This would be creating heat sinks to make the plant feel like it can keep growing in spite of less than optimal air temperatures.”
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▶ FUTURE FARMING | 27 August 2019
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