Strawberry tip production in Morocco supports Northern European propagation needs
During a recent visit to Planasa’s nursery in Kenitra, Morocco, Ronnie Kersten, Business Development Director Northern Europe at Planasa, joined customers, propagators and partners to evaluate strawberry tip and microplug production and assess its potential for Northern European markets.
“The objective was to look at the strawberry tip and microplug production, and to understand the opportunities and possibilities for our customers in Northern Europe,” he shares.
He adds that the visit provided valuable insight into how Moroccan propagation can support European growers and propagators facing increasing operational challenges. “Many propagators are short in capacity, labour availability is an issue, and increased labour and energy costs have made the search for alternative production locations more important.”
Advantages of Moroccan tip production
One of the highlights for him from the visit was the role Morocco can play in supplying certified propagation material to Northern Europe.
“Producing tips in Morocco for Northern European propagators offers significant advantages in terms of timing, quality and cost reduction.” He notes that Moroccan authorities recognise the European certification system, enabling certified plant material to move efficiently through the supply chain.
The Kenitra nursery produces strawberry tips from a wide range of varieties originating from different breeding companies, providing flexibility for propagators working with diverse genetics and market requirements.
Plant health as a foundation
A strong emphasis on plant health leads the propagation programme. Certified mother plants free from pests and pathogens are used as the starting point, while monitoring and testing continue throughout the propagation process.
“High-quality propagation starts with certified plant material and consistent phytosanitary control at every stage,” Douglas Rodriguez, Global Plant Health Director at Planasa, says.
The operation follows a global propagation material certification programme covering mother plants, tissue culture multiplication, pre-basic, basic and commercial nursery stages. Plant material transferred between countries is also subject to internal certification procedures designed to minimise phytosanitary risks.
Supporting these activities is a dedicated plant health laboratory, which increases testing capacity and enables rapid diagnosis of target pathogens.
Digital monitoring and integrated crop health management
Another area highlighted during the visit was the use of digital monitoring systems. Pest and disease observations are recorded digitally, providing real-time access to information and supporting faster decision-making.
“Early detection is critical. Digital monitoring allows teams to respond quickly and prevent issues from spreading through the propagation chain.”
The nursery also combines conventional crop protection with biological and biorational solutions. Staff receive ongoing training in pest and disease identification, integrated pest management and responsible pesticide use, while application equipment is regularly calibrated to ensure accurate treatments.
Impact on grower performance
Propagation quality has direct implications for crop performance after planting. Even asymptomatic infections can affect establishment, plant development, yield and fruit quality.
“Healthy propagation material is one of the most important factors influencing crop performance later in the growing cycle. The benefits of strong phytosanitary management are seen throughout the production process,” Douglas says.
Reflecting on the visit, Ronnie praised the local operation in Kenitra. “We were very impressed by the team, the organisation, the professionalism and the quality of the plants.”
For more information:
Planasa
Ronnie Kersten
rkersten@planasa.com
www.planasa.com
