Articles
Cutting-edge technological and management innovations in vegetable seedling nurseries
Article number
1453_6
Pages
39 – 52
Language
English
Abstract
The use of high-quality planting material in vegetable cultivation has a significant impact on crop yield and quality, harvest time and therefore profitability.
The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the recent technological and management innovations in vegetable seedlings and transplants production to improve crop sustainability and quality.
Thus, the use of multispectral image analysis using artificial intelligence to evaluate seed germination and seedling growth, thermography for irrigation and pest control, the utilization of robotics and drones to increase the efficiency of agronomic management, and seed enhancement technologies are explored.
Some recent technological innovations can be considered low-cost tools which generate higher returns to the companies, while maintaining the sustainability of the production chain.
In addition, the incorporation of peat alternative materials, such as wood fibre and composted green waste into growing media to reduce their environmental footprint, which should be assessed using standardized life cycle analysis methodologies to ensure accurate and comprehensive evaluation, is studied.
The integration of Internet of Things and blockchain in vegetable seedlings production is also analysed to enhance plant traceability, ensuring real-time monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Finally, the utilization of nursery techniques to contribute to the production of alternative leafy vegetable products such as baby leaf, teen-leaf and microgreens is examined.
The main findings of this study show that both industry and researchers have carried out numerous innovations and research schemes to optimize seedling production using advanced and sustainable management technologies.
The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the recent technological and management innovations in vegetable seedlings and transplants production to improve crop sustainability and quality.
Thus, the use of multispectral image analysis using artificial intelligence to evaluate seed germination and seedling growth, thermography for irrigation and pest control, the utilization of robotics and drones to increase the efficiency of agronomic management, and seed enhancement technologies are explored.
Some recent technological innovations can be considered low-cost tools which generate higher returns to the companies, while maintaining the sustainability of the production chain.
In addition, the incorporation of peat alternative materials, such as wood fibre and composted green waste into growing media to reduce their environmental footprint, which should be assessed using standardized life cycle analysis methodologies to ensure accurate and comprehensive evaluation, is studied.
The integration of Internet of Things and blockchain in vegetable seedlings production is also analysed to enhance plant traceability, ensuring real-time monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Finally, the utilization of nursery techniques to contribute to the production of alternative leafy vegetable products such as baby leaf, teen-leaf and microgreens is examined.
The main findings of this study show that both industry and researchers have carried out numerous innovations and research schemes to optimize seedling production using advanced and sustainable management technologies.
Authors
J.A. Fernández, V.M. Gallegos-Cedillo, C. Nájera, J. Gallegos, J. Ochoa, M.C. Martínez-Ballesta, B. Gallego, M.D. Cano, C. Egea-Gilabert
Keywords
growing media, priming, thermography, multispectral image analysis, blockchain, plant traceability
Online Articles (29)