.
16 & 17 September 2026
Watch the IPS 2025 after movie
A two-day propagation seminar organised every year by Grodan
Its aim as always, is to provide propagators from around the world with a unique opportunity to catch up on the latest technological developments within the industry and to strengthen global networks.
Take a look at the IPS 2024 after movie
Partners
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |
|  |
 |  |  |
Rooted in precision
Propagation strategies for resilient roots
Day 1: Wednesday September 16th
Morning session:
Introduction to plant resilience
Anne van Diepeningen, Researcher, Wageningen University and Research
Plant resilience is the ability of a plant to withstand, adapt to, and recover from environmental stresses—such as drought, flooding, heat, cold, pests, diseases, or poor soil conditions—while maintaining growth, reproduction, and overall function. Besides plant resilience we also talk about soil, substrate and water resilience. But, how do we measure such resilience? In research experiments we can apply different stressors and see how well plant and system deal with different stressors and how they cope and recover. Of course, in the practice of the various crops, it would not be ethical to test resilience by adding additional stressors, pests and pathogens. Hence, in practice we rely that the absence of any symptoms means we have a resilient system, dealing with unseen stressors and hopefully also future stressors. In this introductory presentation we will talk about plant physiology, systems resilience, pathogens and pests and about the many different interactions of the plant, its biome, chemistry and physics.
Optimise young plant resilience
Maxime de Jong-Sabee (Beekenkamp Plants), John Geenen (Planti Power), Joost Haenen (Grodan)
This presentation will share the outcomes of a cucumber trial conducted in April–May 2026 at Beekenkamp Plants, with a strong focus on the interaction between plants and their microbiome. The trial explored two key questions: to what extent can the crop microbiome be steered by applying beneficial microorganisms, and can plant growth and microbiome development be stimulated through the use of biostimulants? Results from real production conditions will be presented, highlighting effects on early plant development and crop performance.
Panel discussion: Hygiene, plant resilience and plant quality
Anne van Diepeningen (WUR), Enrico Nisticò (BioWorks), Thorben Looije (Valto), Jim van Ruijven (WUR), Petra van der Goes (Plant quality)
For propagators, producing small, young, and healthy plants is the foundation of successful cultivation. Hygiene plays a crucial role in this early stage, directly influencing plant quality and long-term resilience. This panel will explore how a holistic approach combining hygiene, plant resilience strategies, and quality management can create stronger, more robust plants from the very start. Leading experts from research and industry will discuss practical insights and perspectives on how integrated hygiene management supports resilient, high-quality plant production.
Afternoon session:
Crop Protection now and in future: Integrated Solutions and Chain Approach
Jan Hulst, Sr. Advisory Representative Indoor Crops, Bayer Crop Science
Number of available active ingredients is decreasing, but the crop protection challenges are increasing. Bayer takes care for solutions, regarding crop protection in challenging surroundings. Talking about our vision of future crop protection, ever changing integrated crop management, development of new products, working with biological products as part of the total solution. Bayer’s Integrated Solutions
Smart use of biostimulants: understanding what to do when
Petra van der Goes, Independant consultant, Plant quality
Smart use of biostimulants requires aligning the biological mode of action of each biostimulant with the physiological needs of the plant at specific developmental stages, enabling targeted stimulation of root development, stress resilience, and reproductive performance rather than generic input use.
Plant biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that stimulate natural plant processes to enhance nutrient use efficiency, stress tolerance, growth, and crop quality when applied to plants or the rhizosphere.
Despite increasing adoption in horticulture, their practical application remains inconsistent because the timing of application relative to plant developmental stages is often poorly understood.
This paper proposes a development-stage-based framework for biostimulant use in plant propagation and horticultural production systems, linking biostimulant categories, physiological targets, and application timing to improve predictability and scientific understanding.
Increase efficiency by integrating AI into plant steering decisions
Adam Greenberg, Founder and CEO, IUNU
Color controlable LEDs: The latest insights
Peer Hermans, Plant Specialist, Philips Horticulture LED Solutions
Last winter marked a significant transition for young plant propagators as they began replacing traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting systems with 4-channel color-controllable LED lights. In this presentation, we will explore the latest insights including research, practical experiences and technology. Additionally, we will discuss potential optimizations to further enhance performance and sustainability in future growing seasons.
Panel discussion: Propagating with full LED light (heat, water, data)
Peer Hermans (Philips Horticulture LED Solutions), Paul Berkel (Proplant Propagation), Syngenta vegetable seeds
New technologies and innovative cultivation strategies are rapidly changing the way propagation is done. Full LED lighting is not just about light; it directly influences heat management, water use, and data-driven decision-making. In this panel discussion, experts from an LED provider, a seed company, and a propagator will explore how a holistic approach to managing heat, water, and data can optimize propagation results. The discussion will combine scientific insights with hands-on experiences from a propagator.
Day 2: Thursday September 17th
Company visit Beekenkamp Plants
On the second day of IPS 2026, participants are invited to join an exclusive visit to Beekenkamp Plants, an international high-tech specialist in young plant production and propagation. During this behind-the-scenes tour, you will gain insight into advanced propagation processes, innovative greenhouse technologies, and highly automated production systems.
The visit will also feature contributions from industry partners TTA and Flier Systems, who will showcase their solutions and explain how their technologies support efficient and precise propagation in practice. Together, these sessions will provide valuable insights into the latest developments shaping the future of young plant production.
This unique visit offers an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow propagators, exchange experiences, and see innovation in action within a commercial propagation environment.
Van der Valk Hotel Delft A4
Location of the International Propagation Seminar 2026