"We operate on the cutting edge between practical application and science; we try to turn scientific innovations into practical applications. We are engaged in such aspects as production research, crop protection, storage and business economics as well as urban landscaping and product packaging." Speaking is Ernst van den Ende, manager of the business united dedicated to flower bulbs, trees and fruit at the PPO. He mentions a number of examples that his business unit is working on. "We’ve developed a spraying system that makes it possible to reduce the number of times spraying is needed during a season from twenty to around three times; this saves the grower a lot of money, and it’s better for the environment. We’re also working on organic methods to control diseases and pests. A good example is the antagonist bacteria that we found can act effectively to control pythium. But we also direct efforts toward ways to save energy – like multi-layer production in greenhouses – and to the use of plants in urban green space. This makes it possible for our researchers to determine which plants will thrive in certain locations. This information is important for installing plantings along motorways as well as knowing what kinds of plants to install in offices.”
Not cool
Van den Ende emphasises that his research institution frequently seeks collaboration with other parties in carrying out its projects. "We don’t want to sit on our knowledge. After all, sharing with others helps us grow. Besides, we’re much better able to solve the complex problems emerging in this sector when we work together. That’s why we look for partners at all levels in areas from banking and insurance to education. Now, for example, we’re working with partners to establish a centre of expertise dedicated to the field production of ornamental plants in Lisse. In addition to research into the use of this material in public green space, we’re also addressing the need to provide target groups with information and the need to involve the private sector." In cooperation with horticultural education, the PPO recently developed a CD-ROM containing various teaching packages related to crop protection. "We were also involved in training the instructors who would be using these packages. Other projects we’re currently working on include ones aimed at getting students excited about horticultural education. For years now, fewer students have been entering this field, and it’s become a real problem. It seems that entering a field like horticulture isn’t cool." In Van den Ende’s opinion, acquainting youngsters with horticulture can’t be done too early. “We even offer accommodations for holding a home forcing contest here; actually, we’d like to invite all the primary schools in Lisse to participate. It’s a way of getting young children excited about everything that grows."
PPO wants to improve on the supposedly dull image attributed to horticultural education. "To do this, we offer exchange programmes that allow students to engage in research with us, and we always have practical training positions available. We hold six open days a year, and these also attract potential horticultural students. Besides this, we are working with the higher professional agricultural schools such as Larenstein to set up research projects. And by working with all the Agricultural Training Centres (AOC's) in the form of horticultural expertise cooperatives, we are attempting to put horticultural education on a higher plane. In the meantime, we continue to consider other ways of getting young people interested in this sector."
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