• Also, many hydroponic plants
require different fertilizers and containment system.
Harvesting
In general vegetable crops are perishable and their shelf life and quality depend on number of actions.
Such actions include:
• Pick at the right stage without
damage to the plant.
• Pick early in the morning or when
it is cool.
• Keep picked vegetables out of the
sun.
• Handle carefully.
• Store them at the right temperature (depends on crop).
• Use the right packaging (depends
on crop and market).
• Transport with care.
Pests and diseases
The optimal growing conditions for
plant growth also provide favourable conditions for the development
and spread of diseases and pests.
Hydroponic producers are thus
faced with the challenge of maintaining conditions optimal for plant
growth but
not for disease or pest development. This balance is often very
difficult to maintain, and systems
must be managed carefully.
It is important for a producer to
know what pests or diseases are
likely to become a problem. Steps
can then be taken to reduce the
possibility of the pest or disease
entering the greenhouse and gaining a foothold on the plants.
Tips to prevent spread of diseases
• The most important tools are
knowledge and dedication
• Several cultivation practices can
prevent the spread of disease (e.g.
crop rotation)
• Sanitation, i.e. cleanliness inside
and outside the greenhouse or
planted area as well as all persons
entering the planted area.
Acknowledgement:
Guide to hydroponic vegetable Production (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
http://www.nda.agric.za/docs/
Brochures/prodGuideHydroVeg.pdf