On the 15th of February 2017 a large seed breeding business focused on oilseed rape crops put the new semi-automatic steaming machine from MSD AG into operation.
The complete tractor-towed system has a steaming capacity of 800kg per hour. A special feature of its design is a large boom hood of more than 7 m length and a total area of approx. 18 sq. m. The system allows treatment of 180 – 200 sq. m soil surface per hour.
Video available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKMkzokNgF8
With this steaming system, propagation areas can be kept clean, in particular from the seeds of previous breeding strains, without using chemicals. In this way, several hectares will be annually prepared for breeding of new seed varieties.
The system was directly commissioned by its manufacturer MSD Corp. in a day. From the very first day, the system was effectively operated. Its design is largely autonomous. In arranged tanks, fuel oil level supply is enough for a full day of operation. The water is continuously supplied through a hose pipe. During the operation, the minimum water pressure is maintained by an installed pump system. The semi-automatic machine also has its own water treatment unit to ensure optimal water hardness.