Meloen in de BEST-kas

In 2018, the innovative BEST greenhouse concept (Berry Energy Saving Technology) was developed to move outdoor crops such as lettuce, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries into a protected cultivation environment. The concept offers benefits such as an extended growing season, efficient water and fertiliser use, and reduced emissions and disease pressure. In 2023, mini-(water)melon crops were planted in the BEST greenhouse at Wageningen Research in Bleiswijk. The trial results show that the energy and CO2 targets were achieved, with an energy consumption of 4 m³/m² and CO2 consumption of 1.3 kg/m². The trial highlights the need for further optimization of cultivation strategies for regular harvests, low labor requirements, and effective CO2 dosing, as well as the use of ‘green’ crop protection products.