Details of the project EPI

Development of technology for the use of ozonated water in the cultivation and storage of asparagus

01-03-2023 do 31-12-2024

6 049 563,70

EFRROW - 3 549 142,68 PLN; national public funds - 2 028 639,32 PLN

https://asparagusoxy.com.pl/

The aim of the operation is to develop a technology for using ozonated water in the cultivation and storage of asparagus. The technology will enable the cultivation of asparagus with improved properties - extended storage life, good health (free from microorganisms, their toxic metabolites and pesticide residues) and quality obtained through the use of ozonated water in cultivation and post-harvest treatment.

Construction of a facility with a technological line, creation of a sprayer prototype, carrying out agrotechnical works in Garbce and Biskupice. Conducting research works: Ozonation of asparagus crowns; Treatment of harvested asparagus shoots with ozonated water; Spraying asparagus branches with ozonated water and soil application. Repetition of laboratory and field tests.

The need to implement the project results from the situation on the asparagus growing market and is dictated by the desire to find more effective ways to combat pathogenic microorganisms and pests contributing to the deterioration of the quality of this vegetable.

An aspect facilitating the implementation of the obtained result is the long-term activity and network of contacts of the leader of KST Konsulting sp z o.o. in the agricultural industry. The impact of the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences cannot be overestimated - it is a scientific unit with an established position, whose work is appreciated by both scientists and practitioners.

The proposed technology will reduce the use of pesticides in asparagus crops, and will also extend the shelf life, which is important due to the durability of this vegetable. The asparagus obtained will be characterized by the following properties: extended shelf life; low percentage of asparagus with symptoms of root rot; reduced content of toxic substances, including pesticides. Cultivation of asparagus with the use of ozonated water technology will be characterized by: high yield yield; better growth power; low presence of pesticide residues.

The possibility of combating diseases by spraying with ozonated water significantly reduces the cost of treatments. There is no cost of purchasing a plant protection product - we spray the substance that we produce ourselves in the sprayer. Savings on one treatment are PLN 100 - 400 per hectare - depending on the price of the agent we replace. Ozone from the water, after doing its job, turns into oxygen, so the risk of plant protection product residues in the product disappears. This improves security and increases trading opportunities.The use of ozonated water when washing asparagus after harvesting eliminates microbiological contamination - asparagus stay fresh longer, they do not spoil so quickly. This allows for a longer shelf life of the product, which increases the attractiveness for both consumers and points of sale. Ozonation of asparagus crowns before planting eliminates the need to use pesticide dressings and reduces the price for planting material, and at the same time induces the natural resistance of plants.

plant cultivation and horticulture