US soft fruit propagator Nourse Farms has partnered with Viscon to build a Plant Tissue Culture Lab to support the rapidly increasing interest and demand for berry plants. This facility will feature technologies in labor-saving automation and multi-layer propagation rooms.
"Nourse Farms is focused on delivering the highest-quality plants, and our partnership with Viscon promises to support us as we grow—both plants and our operation," said John Place, Nourse Farms CEO. "Tissue culture has been the cornerstone of what we do for decades, so strategic investments in technology and advancements in this part of our operation are not only ideal but necessary. We are delighted to work with Viscon to bring state-of-the-art technologies to our new tissue culture lab. We expect that we will see a significant increase in our production and efficiency."
Groundbreaking Tissue Culture Planter
The new facility will be equipped with the latest automation technology. The true star of the show is the Tissue Culture Planter, which Viscon has developed and manufactured in close collaboration with ISO Group.
"This planter operates in a sterile environment, automatically placing explants into fresh media jars with unparalleled precision. This is usually a highly labor-intensive process that can now be automated", the team says. "It's a game-changer for plant uniformity and contamination reduction, ensuring Nourse Farms produces the highest quality berry plants."
Daan Mansveld, sales manager of Viscon Plant Technology: "At Viscon, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in agriculture, and this project with Nourse Farms is a testament to our dedication. We've meticulously designed this state-of-the-art facility and are currently in the process of manufacturing the latest equipment and technology to bring our vision to life. Nourse Farms, renowned for its commitment to excellence in berry plant cultivation, shares our vision for innovation and sustainability. We're honored to embark on this journey together and support their mission of providing top-quality berry plants to customers worldwide."
The new laboratory, set to be established in Whately, Massachusetts, USA, is currently in the planning and equipment manufacturing phase, with a projected opening in 2024.
For more information:
Viscon Plant Technology
www.viscon.eu/plant-technology