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Projects

Discover how our projects are shaping the future and transforming the potential of greenhouses as food production centres. From automated growing systems to advanced climate control, our efforts are focused on changing the standards in the world of modern horticulture. We are committed to transforming the horticultural sector while protecting the environment. At Tomatoworld, we invite you to explore our projects and see how we continue to strive for progress, making a positive impact on the way we produce and consume food.

Automated Card Hanging System (ACHS) trial

May 2026

A field trial was conducted at the Tomatoworld field lab to investigate the automation of biological crop protection in greenhouse horticulture. In collaboration with RoboHouse, Octiva and Koppert, the Automated Card Hanging System (ACHS) has been validated: a robotic system that deploys biological control agents accurately and reproducibly within the crop. This development contributes to scalable and data-driven applications of integrated pest management (IPM).

Macrolophus trial with Koppert Netherlands

May 2026

At the Tomatoworld field lab, a practical trial is being conducted in collaboration with Koppert Netherlands to investigate the use of biological control in tomato cultivation. The focus is on accelerating the establishment of Macrolophus, a beneficial predatory bug, in order to preventively limit the spread of the harmful pest Nesidiocoris. This approach is in line with the growing need for sustainable, chemical-free cultivation strategies within greenhouse horticulture.

Macrolophus trial with Koppert Netherlands

Plant-controlled irrigation by Vivent Biosignals

May 2026

In the field lab, research is being conducted into how electrical signals from the plant itself can be translated into specific irrigation actions, with the aim of achieving more efficient and sustainable water use in greenhouse horticulture.

Vivent Biosignals is developing technology in which small electrodes placed within the plant measure electrical signals. These signals are converted into irrigation decisions using a drought stress model.

Plant-controlled irrigation by Vivent Biosignals

Hortivation point

May 2026

In modern greenhouses, an increasing number of systems are collecting all kinds of data. However, these systems often use different methods to determine their location, which makes integration a complex task. The Hortivation Point introduces a single shared reference point, similar to the GPS coordinate system.

Hortivation point

SenseNL sensors monitor water content in mats

August 2024

SenseNL is a partner of Tomatoworld and is currently conducting a trial of their sensors in various substrate mats. SenseNL's sensors are being used to take accurate measurements of water content, EC (electrical conductivity) and temperature in the root zone of our plants.

SenseNL sensors monitor water content in mats

Listening to plants in the greenhouse

May 2024

Technological advances have not yet solved the labour shortage in greenhouse farming. 5G can accelerate innovation for sustainable food supply and encourage more efficient cultivation. Delft startup Plense Technologies uses sensors that record ultrasound to improve crop quality.

The "Do IoT for Greenhouse Horticulture" project

November 2023

Tomatoworld has partnered on the "Do IoT for greenhouse horticulture" project. The "Do IoT for greenhouse horticulture" project accelerates digital innovations in South Holland for sustainable and efficient food production. The use of 5G, sensors and robots is central to the experiments.

The "Do IoT for Greenhouse Horticulture" project

Project RAAK for measuring crop growth

December 2023

The Smart Sensor Systems and Photonics lectorates of The Hague University of Applied Sciences will spend the next four years researching the use of sensors, data and data analysis in greenhouse horticulture. Together with Inholland University, Lentiz MBO and several technical suppliers, breeders and growers in the Westland region, the professorships want to take a big step towards large-scale application of sensor technology for monitoring crop growth.

RAAK measuring crop growth

Water quality limits

January 2022

Water recirculation creates a complex mix of substances that we want to understand better. We want to investigate more precisely the effects of these substances and microbial processes in the water system. This project is developing a model to interpret sensor data of water quality, climate and plant health. The aim is to create control options for healthy crop production, and explore AI possibilities for managing water systems and crops in greenhouse farming.

Water quality limits

Data Driven Autonomous Growing

This project ended in late 2023, but has resulted in Tomatoworld's greenhouse running entirely with Data Driven Autonomous Growing (DDAG).

At Tomatoworld's Fieldlab and Learning Centre, international growers and investors can experience the latest autonomous growing techniques, such as DDAG and GPE, in practice. Together with partners such as Hoogendoorn and Let's Grow, theoretical knowledge is transformed into practical applications, promoting innovation in the horticultural sector.

Data Driven Autonomous Growing

Cooperation between Tomatoworld and Koppert for improved soil life

2024

Tomatoworld and Koppert have been working together for years on innovations in tomato cultivation and horticulture. This season, the focus is on stimulating soil life with Trianum and Vidi Parva, to improve the cooperation between soil and plant in the root environment.

Cooperation between Tomatoworld and Koppert for improved soil life

Improving tomato cultivation with Valent Truss Support

June 2024

Royal Brinkman recently carried out field tests with the innovative Valent Truss Support system, which significantly improves quality and efficiency for tomato growers. These tests show the practical benefits of the system in a growing environment.

Valent Truss Support - Royal Brinkman