Electric Potato Haulm Killer Wins Innovation Awards
Leidschendam, Monday, 16 September 2024.
NUCROP’s sustainable hybrid herbicide solution, developed with CROP.ZONE, clinched two PotatoEurope Innovation Awards. This groundbreaking technology uses electric impulses to eliminate potato haulms, offering an effective, residue-free alternative to traditional methods.
Recognition and Impact
NUCROP’s innovative approach was recognized with both the audience award and a silver medal at the PotatoEurope Innovation Awards. This dual recognition underscores the agricultural community’s endorsement of NUCROP’s potential to transform potato desiccation practices across Europe. The technology’s significance lies not only in its efficacy but also in its sustainability, addressing growing concerns over the environmental impact of traditional herbicides.
Technology Behind NUCROP
NUCROP employs electric currents ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 volts to disrupt the water supply within potato plants, causing them to wither and die. The application rate for potatoes involves 150 liters per hectare of water and 10 liters per hectare of Volt.fuel, a conductive liquid that enhances the electric current’s effectiveness. This method ensures that the desiccation process leaves no chemical residues, making it a safer option for both the environment and consumers.
Market Availability
As of 2024, NUCROP is available to farmers in France, Germany, the BENELUX region, and the UK. This rollout is timely, given the increasing scrutiny of plant protection products used prior to harvest. By offering a chemical-free alternative, NUCROP aligns with the agricultural sector’s shift towards more sustainable practices.
Industry Collaboration
NUCROP’s development was a collaborative effort between Nufarm, a traditional crop protection company with over 100 years of experience, and CROP.ZONE, an ag-tech startup focused on sustainable agriculture. This partnership exemplifies how established industry players and innovative startups can work together to create solutions that address modern agricultural challenges.
Expert Insights
Hildo Brilleman, Regional General Manager EuMEA at Nufarm, expressed his satisfaction with the recognition, stating, ‘As a traditional crop protection company, we’re pleased to be able to offer growers this new, sustainable, and highly effective solution starting this year.’ This sentiment reflects the broader industry trend towards sustainable farming practices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining crop productivity.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the adoption of NUCROP’s technology could set a precedent for other crops and agricultural practices. The success of this hybrid herbicide solution may inspire further innovations that combine traditional agricultural knowledge with cutting-edge technology to promote sustainability in farming globally.