Glasshouses

Glasshouse growers are facing a major challenge due to the withdrawal of Methyl Bromide as a soil sterilant and the removal of some 320 different pesticides from the approved list. Residues of these products will become illegal after December 2003. Growers are facing greatly increased financial pressure from crop losses due to higher levels of diseases such as sclerotinia, mildew, and rhizoctonia as well as an increase in weed pressure.

Major multiple retailers already issue their growers with specific pesticide restrictions in their plight to minimise pesticide use and to promote more environmentally friendly methods of cultural control.

Encouraged, as an alternative method is the use of Hoaf KBL burners.

(Case Study)

KBL burners are used by baby leaf, herbs, lettuce, salad and flower growers where post harvest the crop debris is burnt to remove any green bridge and kill any weeds, seeds and diseases present. This is method is encouraged by ADAS and DEFRA as good crop management with hygiene, clean glasshouses and clean soil being the current buzz words.

The KBL burner, thanks to thick insulation, can work adjacent to the glass without damage so no area should be left untreated. With tractor-mounted ignition, safety shut down and flame failure alarm it is extremely operator friendly.