INTERPOM INNOVATION TOUR CATEGORY:

Cultivation & Mechanization: from soil preparation to planting to harvesting


ARGUMENTATION ABOUT THE INNOVATIVE CHARACTER

NUCROP is based on a unique hybrid herbicide concept that combines a conductive liquid called VOLT.FUEL with electro-physical desiccation. NUCROP is being developed by Nufarm and CROP.ZONE. CROP.ZONE is developing the machine, Nufarm is developing the electrolyte and it will be offered to the distribution of crop protection products. Packo's role is to offer and maintain the NUCROP machines in the Belgian market. This technology is an alternative and complementary solution to chemical-based potato desiccation. Application of VOLT.FUEL allows for optimized, safer electrical energy management as it uses much less power than other electric weeding technologies and raises agronomic efficacy.
Initially, NUCROP will focus on potato desiccation and will be expanding the range of applications (greening control, weed control) later on. 



ADDED VALUE FOR THE USER (IN COMMERCIAL TERMS, USER-FRIENDLINESS ...)

The unique NUCROP combination is highly efficient at desiccation potatoes with no residue compared to the chemical alternatives and offers better efficacy and crop safety than mechanical interventions. Application of the conductive liquid and actual control of the haulms with electrical voltage are carried out in a single step.  In seed and ware potatoes, caliber of the tubers is easier to manage due to the fast action of the system.   In industry potatoes, new varieties need more growing days.  Due to the faster action, growers can delay the desiccation program which lead to bigger yield and caliber. 
NUCROP is reliably efficient and does not depend on sunlight or longer dry periods which makes potato desiccation easier and less stressful for the growers.



ADDED VALUE FOR THE FURTHER SUSTAINABILITY AND PROFESSIONALIZATION OF THE POTATO SECTOR

In bringing this solution to market, our aim is to reduce the rising pressure on farmers due to the phase-out of ever-more chemical herbicides and the need to replace them effectively – without compromising on product quality or climate protection and while conserving soil life and quality.  NUCROP complies with EU targets for Farm to Fork, climate strategy, and regional development targets.  The potato industry invests massively in their production sites to use green energy and has now also a solution to minimize the chemical input in the production of their commodities. 


IS THE INNOVATION A RESULT OF YOUR OWN (INTERNAL) DEVELOPMENT?

yes


DATE OF MARKET INTRODUCTION IN BELGIUM

2023