In a commercial greenhouse in Almería, Spain, a 36.5% yield increase was recorded in mini cucumber production when nutrition was enriched with HaifaStim™ products — despite the treated plot facing virus pressure.
Report by Enrique Garcia
Introduction
In the heart of Almería, Spain's main greenhouse hub, the Vargas Integral cooperative specializes in greenhouse-grown mini cucumbers – a crop known for its high market demand and attractive returns. With average yields of around 5–5.5 kg/m², growers constantly seek ways to boost productivity, often under less-than-ideal conditions.
To meet this challenge, a trial was launched using Haifa’s HaifaStim™ strategy, featuring HaifaStim™ Promo and HaifaStim™ Force, known for their ability to boost fruit set and enhance plant resilience.
 | HaifaStim™ Promo is a Liquid preparation based on plant and seaweed extracts, rich in folic acid, designed to improve plant metabolism and enhances flowering and fruit-set. HaifaStim™ Force is a natural liquid extract combining polyphenols, mannitol, betaine, and L-amino acids, formulated to save metabolic energy and crafted for super-fast assimilation. |
Trial Setup
Location: Almería, Spain
Crop: Mini Cucumbers
Partner: Vargas Integral Cooperative
Objective: Increase yield per m² by enhancing fruit set and reducing fruit abortion
A 2.2-hectare cucumber plot was divided into two equal, adjacent greenhouses (1.1 ha each) for direct comparison. Both received the same irrigation, fertilization, and phytosanitary programs.
The only difference? The Nutrigation™ program in one greenhouse was supplemented with HaifaStim™ products.
Treatment Details:
- Start date: December 10 (plant height ~1 m, with 2–3 harvests already completed)
- Application interval: Every 12–15 days
- Dosage:
- 2 L/ha of HaifaStim™ Promo
- 5 L/ha of HaifaStim™ Force
Results
In just three weeks (December 20 to January 10), the treated greenhouse achieved a dramatic increase in yield:
Despite being more affected by virus pressure, the treated plants maintained strong productivity – highlighting the resilience-enhancing effect of the HaifaStim™ strategy.
Visual indicators of success:
Significantly higher fruit set
Fewer aborted fruits
More abundant flowering throughout the cycle
| Treated plot | ||
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| Control plot | ||
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Conclusion
This case clearly demonstrates how the HaifaStim™ biostimulant strategy can significantly elevate greenhouse cucumber production — even under stressful conditions. With a 36.5% yield boost and visible improvements in plant performance, the Vargas Integral cooperative now has a proven strategy to maximize returns and resilience in mini cucumber cultivation.
