Virgo x Laval University
A close collaboration for the development of agricultural technologies in a controlled environments
Our collaboration with Université Laval began in 2021 when we joined the research chair in organic horticulture in greenhouses and controlled environments. This research chair, initiated by MAPAQ and several private partners, aims to achieve various objectives at different levels of horticultural and medicinal production. As soon as we joined this program, we began work on various aspects of our systems and their optimization.
Which aspects of the technology were previous research focused on?
For the two cultivation systems studied, the Virgo system and the tabletop production system, we characterized the performance of different substrates amended with renewable components such as wood and coconut fiber. These experiments also included tests on different lettuce cultivars to assess the effect of the system on their physiology. Comparison of different fertilization strategies enabled us to study the optimal doses for basic fertilization integrated directly into the substrate at the start of production, as well as for complementary liquid fertilization. We also evaluated different fertilizer sources for soilless organic lettuce cultivation, including products derived from the animal, plant and marine industries.
Our experiments then focused on the efficiency of the Virgo system with different substrates based on renewable components and fertilization management. The latter was evaluated in terms of development and photobiological responses, as well as yield and quality of lettuce from different cultivars. We also explored the potential use of the Virgo system for other plant species, including microtomatoes, sweet peppers and strawberries.
What can we expect from this partnership in the future?
After several years of research, the partnership between Virgo Global and Université Laval has been reinforced, paving the way for new research opportunities. In particular, our company is now a member of a new research chair dedicated to the energy demands of the agricultural sector and the study of the complete life cycle of different systems in controlled environments.
We are continuing our collaboration with the Biological Chair, particularly in the field of substrate recovery and food safety assurance. In addition, we plan to begin developing protocols for the production of plant-based pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
How will our partnership benefit the farming industry and consumers?
Our research has enabled us to define robust protocols that will enable us to make a major breakthrough in industrial agri-food production. Our system will have a significant impact on the use of resources in the regions where our plants are located. What's more, the results of our research will enable production to be optimized without generating overload or additional environmental costs.
These advances will also offer protocols guaranteeing superior product quality and enhanced safety, responding to growing consumer demand. Our technology aims to become the driving force behind the democratization of domestic agriculture, offering everyone the opportunity to grow and prosper, regardless of traditional boundaries.
Author: Guillaume Paquet, AGR. M. SC.
