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7 years ago

Cultivation guidelines Kaite UK

2-3 hours from sunset

2-3 hours from sunset (with normal or sunny conditions). This pre-night temperature should be realised using a gentle decrease (provided the 24-hour temperature is suitable and does not exceed 22.5 ºC). Then gradually heat to 21 ºC at sunrise (or later when the crop is growing 10 cm or more per week). In poor weather conditions, heat from 13.00 hrs until 22 ºC is reached and start the pre-night regime one hour before sunset The venting temperature partly depends on the outside temperature, wind speed etc. Ensure that the moisture deficit is sufficiently high during the night (at least 2.5 gr/m³). Later in the day (from around 15.00 hrs) implement measures to increase the moisture and CO2 content in the greenhouse again, but do not let the temperature in the greenhouse exceed 25-26 ºC. Kaite grows very well under diffuse glass coating. In extreme cases (>800W/cm²) the screens can also be partially closed. Cultivation in autumn Autumn is precisely the time of year when Kaite can make a huge difference for growers in terms of quality. The percentage of class II will stay relatively low, provided the crop is properly cared for and in good condition. During this period, the number of fruits on the plant often increases, while the radiation in North West Europe quickly declines from week 34. This will not usually rise above 14,000J/cm²/week. Any coating on the roof of the greenhouse should therefore be removed. Growers can keep any fruits that have set on the lateral stems. They are usually good quality with Kaite, but they could be slightly smaller. Activity is the most important consideration to maintain healthy crops and hence fruit quality. Light is also important in this respect, so make sure the greenhouse roof is clean after mid-August, to enable maximum light transmission. In this period, the heating pipes are not close to the fruits and the heads of the plants, so start heating in time to reach the daytime temperature an hour before sunrise, preferably with a high maximum pipe temperature (>60C). Reduce this heating time if necessary if you want economise on energy costs. Use the screen sparingly to save energy. The moisture deficit should preferably not drop below 2.5 g/kg. It is very important to pay close attention to irrigation as crops are sometimes given too much water during this period. Ensure a water content drop of at least 8% at night and don’t start irrigating until the graph indicates that the plants have started to absorb water. The low position of the sun means that it is more difficult for light to penetrate into the greenhouse, so set the first session at a higher measured radiation (approx. 100J/cm²). Increase the daytime irrigation sessions from 80-100cc in summer to 130-150cc in autumn. Ask your substrate supplier for specific details about their product.

Kaite Average fruit weight 260 240 220 200 180 160 Kaite Standard 140 120 100 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44

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