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Daily clips of hydroponic science throughout the whole of 2025
Presented by Dr Russell Sharp
Brought to you by the team behind Gold Leaf - seed to harvest with just one bottle of feed.
Presented by Dr Russell Sharp
Brought to you by the team behind Gold Leaf - seed to harvest with just one bottle of feed.
278 Episodes
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https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/Dr. Russell Sharp reports from the World Congress for Vertical Farming after visiting Growy. He focuses on labeling, packaging, shelf life, and why customers prioritize "pesticide-free" and "no need to wash" over the word "hydroponic."
The episode also explores supermarket placement, packaging visibility, and how distribution and branding often matter more than technology when it comes to market success.
Dr. Russell Sharp explains practical ways to inspect hydroponic plants up close, from inexpensive hand lenses and phone macro attachments to investing in a stereomicroscope. He contrasts stereomicroscopes with compound microscopes and shares buying tips like LED illumination, stable stands, and camera attachments.
The episode covers how to spot pests and disease early, examine trichomes and flowers, check beneficial nematodes under a compound microscope, and use microscopes for documentation and customer engagement. Practical tips include starting at low magnification, keeping samples flat, and watching tutorials before use.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/equipment/hand-lens-uv-led-illuminated/
Dr. Russell Sharp recounts reintroducing extinct tomato varieties like the Blaby Special and Manx Marvel, then examines the relative value of preserving heritage cultivars versus conserving whole wild species and their genetic diversity.
He argues that wild species and ancestral strains often hold more crucial genetic value for future breeding and that species-level conservation should be prioritised, while inviting listener feedback and pointing to Eutrema Ltd for hydroponics resources.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
Dr. Russell Sharp experiments with growing carnivorous plants hydroponically—Venus flytraps, sundews, and pitcher plants. He discusses challenges like their need for nutrient-poor acidic conditions, winter dormancy, pests, and the plan to use RO water, very low nutrient solutions, peat-free media, and NFT/DWC systems, promising updates as he learns.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
Dr. Russell Sharp reports from Fruit Attraction in Madrid, sharing key hydroponics and fresh-produce industry discoveries from the trade show.
Main takeaways: large distributors dominated the show with impressive stands, biostimulant firms remain small, and a noticeable presence of vegan and microbial fertiliser companies. Hydroponic systems and lighting were scarce compared to field-grown fruit technology.
Other notes include concerns about plastic-coated granular fertilisers and cobalt-containing products, interesting innovations such as microalgae biostimulants and a handheld fruit-ripeness scanner, and the underrepresentation of UK exhibitors.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
Dr. Russell Sharp investigates why West Virginia seems to have low interest in hydroponics, examining factors like GDP, geography, cannabis laws, and local market access.
The episode highlights existing efforts — NASA-funded programs at West Virginia University, community college courses, Mocks Farm, and Blue Acre Aquaponics — and discusses grants, production methods, and opportunities for local growth.
https://eutrema.co.uk/claim-your-free-turf-brochure/
Dr. Russell Sharp explores trehalose‑6‑phosphate (T6P) as an emerging biostimulant, its role in controlling sucrose signals, and the promising academic data—especially in wheat—showing yield and stress‑tolerance benefits.
The episode compares two commercial players (SugarRox and Unium), discusses intellectual property and market positioning, and considers the challenges of turning trial results into farmer adoption and profitable businesses.
https://eutrema.co.uk/category/biostimulants/
Dr. Russell Sharp explores a curious 1991 patent by Gunther Mayer that claims mistletoe can be propagated in hydroponic baths using sap from host plants, noting the scant details (sap extraction, preservation, and CO2 use) and that the patent was later withdrawn.
The episode also touches on commercial parasitic crops like sandalwood, the challenges and potential of soilless cultivation, and invites listeners to share any experience growing parasitic plants hydroponically.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
In this episode of Hydroponics Daily, we discuss two notable agtech developments relevant to growers: InnerPlant's CropVoice—genetically engineered soybeans that light up when infected to provide early disease alerts—and GreenLight Bioscience's RNA-based treatment Noarroa, which targets varroa mites in honeybee colonies and offers extended protection. We explore implications for hydroponic and pollinated crops and point listeners to AgTech Digest for more industry news.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
Dr. Russell Sharp explores endophytes—beneficial microbes that live inside plant tissues—explaining how they can boost stress tolerance, aid nutrient uptake, and protect against pests. He discusses notable companies, commercial challenges, safety concerns, and why endophyte products have seen mixed success in agriculture.
Listeners will learn about practical limitations for adoption, differences from other microbial products, and the economic and regulatory realities shaping the endophyte market.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
Dr. Russell Sharp reacts to a LinkedIn post arguing for a return to outdoor soil-grown cannabis, and explains why hydroponics and controlled indoor cultivation remain vital. He discusses sticky trichomes attracting dust, the risk of pollen contamination (including deliberate male plants placed upwind), and the economic and quality implications for legal cannabis growers.
The episode weighs practical pros and cons of outdoor versus indoor growing, highlights real-world threats to crop integrity, and invites listener feedback on whether outdoor cultivation can truly replace soilless systems.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
Dr. Russell Sharp explores a new grow media made from banana plant trunks developed by Banana Bloom/Southeastern Fiber. The episode covers the material's hydrophilic re-wetting ability, durability, water-holding capacity, and potential as a mix with other media. Benefits include using an agricultural waste product, lower carbon footprint compared with cocoa, and reduced need for chemical processing. Dr. Sharp also clarifies this product is a growing media—not a fertilizer—and discusses practical uses and limitations for hydroponic systems.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
Dr. Russell Sharp explores how arsenic gets into rice and some seaweeds, the health risks including cancer and developmental effects, and why levels vary by grain type and growing region.
He offers practical steps to reduce exposure—rinse and cook rice in excess water (about 6:1), prefer basmati/jasmine or alternative grains like quinoa and millet, and for hydroponic growers ensure good root aeration to limit heavy-metal uptake.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
Dr. Russell Sharp investigates enzyme-based hydroponic products like Plagron's Green Sensation, questioning ingredient lists and the claim that sprayed enzymes break down plant cell walls.
He explains where enzymes are actually useful (breaking down dead roots and improving media nutrient availability), outlines stability limits (UV and temperature), suggests microbes or composting as better alternatives, and teases tomorrow's episode on arsenic in rice.
https://eutrema.co.uk/plant-health-periodic-table-poster/
Dr. Russell Sharp reviews research on paracetamol (acetaminophen/Tylenol) and its effects on plants in hydroponics and horticulture. He explains how the drug is taken up by roots and leaves, how plants detoxify it, and how even small amounts can trigger oxidative stress, impair photosynthesis and inhibit growth in species like lettuce and maize.
The episode covers evidence of DNA methylation changes in maize, that silicon fertiliser can mitigate damage, and that paracetamol is generally detrimental rather than beneficial to plants. Practical takeaways: avoid applying paracetamol to crops, use proper water filtration, and rely on ozone/UV or RO for removing contaminants.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
Dr. Russell Sharp explores why Rafflesia arnoldii — the so-called corpse flower with the world\'s largest single bloom — is likely the most difficult plant to cultivate. He explains its parasitic lifestyle, dependence on a specific Tetrastigma vine host, short flowering window, dioecious reproduction, and rarity in the wild.
The episode contrasts Rafflesia with the more commonly cultivated titan arum, discusses thermogenesis and pollination strategy, and highlights why conserving native rainforests is essential for this species.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
This episode explains C4 photosynthesis (the Hatch–Slack pathway), how it concentrates CO2 around rubisco to reduce photorespiration, and why C4 plants perform exceptionally well in hot, dry, high‑CO2 conditions.
It covers common C4 crops (maize, sugarcane, sorghum, millets, tropical grasses) and practical hydroponic tips: increase light intensity, temperature, CO2 levels, and support with extra nitrogen and magnesium to maximize growth.
The episode also highlights a 2024 study showing humic acids can strongly boost photosynthesis in C4 plants and encourages growers to investigate biostimulants before applying them.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
This episode explores natural sources of cyanide in common plants — how cyanogenic glycosides hide cyanide in seeds and tissues, how breaking cells releases toxic hydrogen cyanide, and why the smell of almonds can be a warning sign.
Examples include bitter almonds, apple and stone fruit seeds, cassava, lima beans, sorghum and bamboo shoots. The episode covers safety measures (cooking, leaching, drying, fermentation such as gari) and specific hydroponics cautions like pruning cherry laurel and growing cassava.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/lime-sulphur/
In this episode we expose the environmental and health risks of granular controlled‑release fertilisers: non‑biodegradable resin granules often contain micro- and nanoplastics that persist in soils and can be taken up by plants. Recent research shows nanoplastics can accumulate in edible parts of crops, raising concerns for food safety.
The host explains why many retail granules (e.g., Miracle‑Gro, Osmocote) aren’t truly biodegradable, discusses alternatives like plastic‑free liquid fertilisers and small, frequent feeding, and shares industry insights and Eutrema’s approach to safer options.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/fertiliser/liquid-gold-unique-complete-fertiliser/
Dr. Russell Sharp reports from the Glee trade show, sharing highlights like a Latvian Bloom Cabin greenhouse and a standout product from Buster Seed: durable, pull-apart propagation trays designed for gentle transplanting.
The episode explains how these reusable trays reduce transplant shock, let growers monitor root development, and are particularly useful for mycorrhiza-dependent plants, making them a practical choice for home gardeners and hydroponic growers alike.
https://eutrema.co.uk/shop/pesticides-organic/lime-sulphur/
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