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FACTS
How the Dutch Innovated Greenhouse Tomato Growing
Arguably the most popular greenhouse-growing product, tomatoes and
greenhouse practises of today owe a big nod to the Dutch, going back to the
mid 1990s. The Dutch pioneered indoor tomato-growing techniques that
led to varieties that travel well and are extremely flavorful. Growers in the
Netherlands pioneered the pelleting system that coats seeds in a protective
layer, making it easier for mechanical seed dispersal. Additionally, methods
of priming (triggering then stopping the germination process) tomato
seeds came from the Dutch, who were among the first greenhouse
growers to incorporate geothermal energy to save costs. Horticultural
tech companies such as Priva developed automated, climate-control,
and water-dosing systems that synchronize variables such as air vents,
CO 2 dosage, heating, cooling, and ventilation. Interestingly, nearly
80 per cent of the world’s tomato seeds come from the Netherlands.
— qz.com
Avocado Seeds Show Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Penn State researchers have identified an extract from avocado
seeds that exhibits anti-inflammatory ability. The discovery
represents a potential source for new anti-inflammatory
compounds that might be developed as a functional food
ingredient or use in pharmaceuticals. “The next step, before we
can draw further conclusions about the anti-inflammatory activity
of this avocado seed extract, will be to design animal model studies,”
says Joshua Lambert, co-director of Penn State’s Center for Plant and
Mushroom Foods for Health. “For example, we can look at a mouse model of
ulcerative colitis where we formulate the avocado seed extract into the mice diet
and look at whether it is able to reduce inflammation.” Lambert believes the study
lays the groundwork for more research because it provides evidence there are
bioactive compounds in avocado seeds that have anti-inflammatory activity.
“The level of activity that we see from the extract is very good,” says Lambert.
— sciencedaily.com
Record-Holding Watermelon Equivalent of Two Beer Kegs
With summer right around the corner, plenty of people will be
enjoying watermelon under clear blue sunny skies. Chances are,
when you head to the market, you won’t see a watermelon as big
as that grown by Chris Kent. Kent, who is from Sevierville, TN.,
holds the record for producing the world’s largest watermelon
which weighed in at a hefty 350.5 pounds in Oct. 2013.
According to the Watermelon Board, the average watermelon
weights 20 pounds, so Kent’s giant equalled 17.5 melons.
Kent grew the massive melon from seeds he bred himself and
cultivated his melon outdoors, but watermelon can be grown
indoors and will do well in just about any hydroponic system
as long as there’s room to support the big vines. Perlite makes a
good watermelon-growing medium, however, growers may prefer
something heavier, like clay pellets, pea gravel, or silica stones.
— Maximum Yield Staff
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Maximum Yield