Canary Isles' growers could soon be turning to high technology to boost yields as the labour shortage continues and water grows increasingly expensive. Most nurseries with drip feed, computer controlled irrigation are protected by canvas walls and high density netting, but, there is increasing interest in Dutch technology being employed at the Copalsan cooperative at San Nicolas de Tolentino on Gran Canaria. More than £150,000 has been invested in what is called "aeroponics", where plants are grown vertically in tubes with their roots irrigated by recirculating water enhanced with nutrients. Heat stored during the day is used at night to keep temperatures constant. Excellent results have been recorded for aubergines and irrigation costs for tomatoes were cut by 90%. Yields rose from 15kg/sq m achieved through conventional growing to 80kg. {{FRESH PRODUCE }}

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