Hydroponics Daily

Stereo Microscopes - See Your Plants Like Never Before

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/

Extinct Tomatoes & Why Species Matter More Than Varieties

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/

Hydroponic Carnivores: Growing Venus Flytraps and Other Carnivorous Plants Without Soil

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/

Fruit Attraction 2025: Hydroponics Discoveries and Industry Surprises

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/

Why Is West Virginia Missing from the Hydroponics Map?

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/

T6P: The Next Big Biostimulant?

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/

Growing Mistletoe Without Soil: The Strange 1991 Hydroculture Patent

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/

Glowing Soybeans and Bee Lifesavers: News Roundup

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/

Endophytes: The Hidden Microbes Inside Plants

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/

Legal cannabis: Why it is not inevitable that outdoor cultivation will become the norm

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/