Growing strawberries hydroponically at home

Growing strawberries hydroponically

Hydroponics is a technology for cultivating plants in an artificial environment, on a specially prepared substrate in conjunction with a nutrient solution. The method got its name from the words of ancient Greek origin “hydro” - water and “ponos” - work. Hydroponic strawberries receive everything they need for successful flowering and fruiting. Growing garden strawberries using the hydroponic method allows you to get a good harvest all year round.

The growing technology is simple, there is nothing complicated in it, but caring for the plants must be regular.

Choosing a substrate for growing hydroponic strawberries

Once you decide on a system, you will need to select a growing media (assuming your system did not include media).

There are several options we recommend for hydroponic strawberries.

The most common substrates for hydroponics are coconut coir, gravel, expanded clay, and mineral wool for hydroponics.

Any one of them will work, and they all do the same thing in some way.

In hydroponics there is really only one purpose for the medium - to hold the roots in place and anchor your plant, keeping it upright.

If you're just starting out, you can't go wrong with coconut substrate.

This completely inert medium does not change nutrition or pH and makes growing very easy. Top

System Description

A hydroponic setup looks like this. This is a large container filled with a nutrient solution, saturated with useful substances. The liquid circulates inside the hydroponic system using pumps. Strawberry bushes are planted in glasses or pots filled with substrate. There are the following types of hydroponic systems:

• passive;
• active.

In the first case, no pumps or mechanical devices are used. These methods include wick systems or the nutrient layer method. You can learn more about the varieties of hydroponics in the article: “What is hydroponics.” In the second case, fluid circulation is ensured by the continuous operation of pumps.

The importance of water and pH

You may think that you can simply use tap water from a garden hose to keep your hydroponic system running.

But this is not true.

Our water contains many chemicals and contaminants, such as chlorine and chloramine, that can harm your strawberries.

Therefore, you should use a water filter to ensure that you are giving your plants clean water.

You will also need to constantly monitor your pH levels.

Strawberries prefer a pH range between 5.8-6.2.

If you go outside of this range, your plants will have some strange problems as they will no longer be able to absorb certain nutrients.

You can learn more about the relationship between nutrients and pH in this article. Top

Pros and cons of technology

Hydroponics, as a method of progressive crop production, has advantages and disadvantages. Growing strawberries hydroponically is a simple process. However, before you start breeding plants, you need to make an accurate calculation, calculate income and expenses, and assess possible risks. The advantages of the technology are worth noting:

• saving space;
• no need for daily watering;
• no dependence on weather conditions;
• resistance to fungi and pests;
• high productivity;
• rapid ripening of strawberries;
• environmental friendliness of the product.

In addition to the advantages, this technology has some disadvantages. In particular, it is worth noting such disadvantages as constant monitoring. Plants grown hydroponically require daily care. It is necessary to maintain the level of nutrition and its composition, the level of water consumption, substrate humidity and light conditions. Constant monitoring may seem tedious to a novice gardener. But the result justifies the effort, especially since all this can be done under the control of simple automation.

Description of the business idea

The most effective way to produce strawberries is considered to be growing them hydroponically in closed ground. For example, in Israel, approximately 85% of farms resort to a similar method, which involves planting crops in a thin layer of organic substrate. For this purpose, peat is often used, which is first laid out on a mesh and then placed in a special tray containing a nutrient composition. Thus, the plant will be fed not from the soil, but from a mineral solution, and its components are selected depending on the type of crop. Hydroponics has a number of advantages:

1. A quick harvest, due to the accelerated growth of plants due to the receipt of the required amount of useful elements.
2. No daily watering required.
3. Absence of pests (mole crickets, nematodes), as well as diseases (fungal diseases) characteristic of growing in soil.
4. Ease of plant replanting, eliminating damage to the root system.
5. The product is environmentally friendly, since no pesticides or toxic chemicals are used in the production process.

Drip irrigation

Drip irrigation system is a popular type of hydroponic setup. The essence of the method is that the nutrient solution is supplied from the container using electric pumps strictly on schedule directly to the roots of the plant. The substrate is evenly saturated with moisture, which is very useful for strawberries. There are two types of drip installations:

• reversible;
• irreversible.

In the first option, the nutrient solution is reused after watering. In the second, the solution is applied only once, and possible residues are disposed of or completely absorbed by the roots of the plant.

The drip irrigation system is simple and easy to use. You can buy it in the store. Those who want to experiment with hydroponics can build the installation themselves from available components. The simplest structure can be built from a PVC pipe in which glasses with seedlings are placed. The pipes are connected with elastic hoses, and plugs are installed on the sides. More details about such a system can be found in the article: “Homemade hydroponic installation. Drip irrigation system."

To avoid mold and mildew, the system must be cleaned regularly.

How to make hydroponics for strawberries

There are several varieties of hydroponic systems, and there are hundreds of modifications. But they are all divided into two main groups:

1. Passive. Nutrition is supplied to plants by capillary route. For this purpose, modular drip irrigation systems have been designed. They are used for growing onions, radishes, even potatoes and many flowers. That is, plants that have tubers, bulbs, and roots.
2. Active. They assume fluid circulation, which is achieved through the operation of pumps.

Ready-made hydroponic systems are commercially available, but they are expensive. You can make the system yourself at minimal cost.

Hydroponics is based on three pillars:

- a properly selected nutrient solution; — optimal temperature; — lighting;

• Recommended daytime temperature for strawberries is +25-26°C, nighttime +15-18°C.
• Daylight hours should last at least 14 hours, and for remontant varieties - 18.
• Illumination – 60,000 lumens, which corresponds to sunlight.
• Ambient air humidity is 60-70%.

Necessary materials

For a hydroponic installation you will need PVC pipes, fittings, crosses, angles, pipe stands, a solution container, hoses, and a hydraulic pump. You can use a regular compressor and aquarium pump. Light plastic pots can be bought at a flower shop or ordered online. The diameter of the pipes depends on the size of the plant roots. For hydroponics, pipes with a diameter of 50 to 100 mm are usually used.

Materials with high porosity, breathability and hygroscopicity are usually used as a substrate: expanded clay, coconut fiber and sawdust, mineral wool mixed with peat. The substrate itself does not provide nutrition to the plant; it only serves to support the roots.

For growing strawberries vertically, ordinary wide PVC pipes are suitable. Watering is carried out using a capillary system.

For horizontal growing - plastic containers, boxes, trays. The supply of the nutrient solution to the roots will be ensured by a hydraulic pump installation. The method of completely and constantly immersing strawberry roots in liquid is not suitable, as they easily rot.

Remontant strawberry varieties are best suited as seedlings: Festivalnaya, Chudo, Fresco, Olivia. Varieties such as Korona, Gigantela, Elizaveta, etc. also produce good fruits. When grown vertically, hanging and climbing varieties have proven themselves to be excellent.

To guarantee the quality of planting material, it is better to order imported plants, since extensive experience in hydroponic crop production has been accumulated abroad. But you can dig up seedlings of suitable size in your garden plot. After adaptation, such bushes will also grow and bear fruit. Strawberry bushes will need to be replaced only after 3 years.

It is important to thoroughly rinse the roots from soil residues and soak for 2-3 hours in clean water.

Equipment preparation

To calculate the required proportions and pH factor (acidity) of the solution, special formulas and knowledge are required. It’s easier and more reliable to buy a ready-made nutrient solution at first. It is diluted with distilled water in the proportions specified in the instructions. The acidity of the solution and the concentration of other substances for control are measured using special instruments.

10 liters of solution is enough for 50-70 plants.

As you gain experience in progressive plant growing, the composition and concentration of the solution can be changed depending on external factors and the general condition of the plants.

An incorrectly selected composition can lead to slower growth, poor or absent fruiting, and plant death. A significant advantage of this system is that it can be installed anywhere - on cabinets, loggias, verandas, hung from the wall, etc.

Assembly principle

1. Using hoses and a pump, the nutrient solution will flow through the pipes and flow back into the container. In this case, you do not need to keep the pump in working position constantly. It is enough to turn it on several times a day for half an hour.
2. Pipes in the system can be located both horizontally and vertically.
   Holes for pots are pre-cut in PVC pipes. The distance between plants is determined by the agrotechnical conditions for growing the selected crop in normal soil, but it may be slightly less. So for strawberries, a distance of 20-30 cm will be enough.
3. To organize the backlight, directional LED lamps of the blue or red spectrum are usually used.
   Induction lamps from 600 W are also used. A reflective screen will also be needed to prevent light scattering. Strawberries are very sensitive to lack of lighting.

4. You will have to maintain air humidity using a humidifier.
   You will have to maintain air humidity using a humidifier. In rare cases, you can get by with regular spraying from a spray bottle.

Hydroponics is the likely future of agriculture. For city residents who do not have summer cottages, this is an opportunity to receive, without leaving home, fresh vegetables, herbs and berries grown in the required quantities, with minimal financial and labor costs. Progressive plant growing is an unpretentious, easy and cheap way of growing. The costs will pay off after the first harvest.

Features of the technology

Hydroponic modules can operate in a variety of conditions. Nutrition is supplied to the roots in various ways. Therefore, there are the following types of installations:

1. Deep-water system: a platform with plants is immersed in a container of water;
2. Nutrient layer system: under the pots with plants there is a substrate, regularly irrigated with a nutrient solution;
3. Drip system: the nutrient solution saturates the substrate in portions, at time intervals;
4. Flooding system: the substrate is filled with a large amount of solution, then the solution is removed;
5. Aeroponics: Strawberry roots are kept in a moist environment in the form of mist, and this mist contains essential nutrients.

All methods allow you to get a strawberry harvest, but not all methods are ideal for strawberries. For example, the deep-water irrigation system has a significant flaw. The fact is that the roots of the plant do not tolerate excessive humidity well; it needs oxygen, and excess humidity contributes to the development of rot and mold.

What technology to use?

For strawberries, you need to prepare a place for growing and choose hydroponics technology. At home, you can use the DWC method, deep water culture. The plant develops its root system well.

When using this technology, they are constantly in a nutrient solution. You can assemble hydroponics for strawberries with your own hands from scrap materials.

• Capacity 70*70 cm, volume 20 liters.
• Foam cover or mat. 6 holes are made in it in increments of 20 cm.
• 6 flower pots with a volume of 500 ml. If the lower diameter is 7-9 cm, then the holes in the lid to the container should be the same size.
• Holes are made in the pots over the entire surface with a diameter of 50 mm.
• You will need a compressor and a spray stone; use a Jebo Amma device with a capacity of 90 l/h.

The container should be made of colored, opaque plastic. The foam mat is adjusted to size. The holes are passed through with a gas torch to fix the foam particles. They melt. Forming a monolithic surface. The material will not crumble.

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To grow strawberries as a business, they purchase industrial equipment with cylindrical modules. They are arranged in several tiers. Drip irrigation technology is used for irrigation. This technique is often combined with aeroponics. Recently, aquaponics has been used.

Substrate

Hydroponics does not use soil. The medium for placing the root system of plants is a special substrate (soil substitute). There are certain requirements for the material. It must have increased breathability, moisture capacity and chemical composition. Depending on the composition, substrates of organic and inorganic origin are distinguished. Let us tell you in more detail which material is more suitable for growing strawberries.

Types of substrates

Strawberries have been grown in organic substrates since time immemorial. The most common types of organics are the following compositions:

• coconut flakes;
• natural moss;
• peat;
• cotton waste;
• bark of tree.

Organic substrates have excellent moisture absorption and breathability. Among the disadvantages, their tendency to decomposition and rotting is noted.

Inorganic materials are popular in hydroponics because of their excellent porosity and chemical resistance. In a stable inorganic substrate, the root system fully develops. As a result, you can get an excellent harvest. The following materials are especially popular:

• expanded clay;
• mineral wool;
• a mixture of perlite and vermiculite.

Expanded clay is nothing more than clay fired in a kiln. The filler is rounded brown pellets. Expanded clay is often used as drainage. Mineral wool is capable of retaining large amounts of moisture, therefore it is used in industrial greenhouse complexes. Among the disadvantages, the uneven distribution of water inside the fibers is noted.

Peat substrate

Peat is an excellent material for growing strawberries using the hydroponics method. It has a stable structure that is not biodegradable for a long time. The pores absorb moisture well and retain it inside. Peat is ideal for growing strawberries using the hydroponic method. This environmentally friendly product contains the nutrients needed by the plant.

Pros of coconut substrate

Coconut substrate is perfect for growing strawberries hydroponically. It contains coconut fiber or shavings. Coconut substrate perfectly absorbs and retains moisture. Elastic coconut fiber allows strawberry roots to develop freely. There is practically no pathogenic flora in it. Since coconut substrate is capable of retaining large amounts of moisture, it is necessary to calculate water consumption. The consumption must be balanced; the substrate must not become swamped.

Advantages of mineral wool

Mineral wool is excellent for growing strawberries using hydroponics. The material is practically sterile, and therefore there is no need to worry about the appearance of mold and mildew. The elasticity and porosity of the material allows the plant roots to breathe. Mineral wool is a durable material that can be used repeatedly. For hydroponics, the substrate is available in cassettes, blocks, cubes and mats. You can read more about the substrate in the article: “Substrates for hydroponics.”

Culture propagation

Growing and propagating strawberries in pipes or horizontal beds occurs somewhat differently than in ordinary soil. The method of planting a crop through seeds works well. They are simply poured onto the top of the substrate (coco soil, perlite, sand) and covered with film. Seeds germinate in a dark place. Take out the box with seedlings only for a few minutes to moisten the substrate. When 2-3 true leaves appear, the plants are replanted and brought to the light. They are treated with antifungal drugs and left to grow further. A formed bush of 6 leaves can already be planted in a permanent place.

Strawberries are propagated by rosettes through “rooting” in water. When a strong root system is formed, the plant can be transplanted to a permanent location. One strawberry bush can produce 15 full-fledged new plants.

Preparing the substrate for strawberries

The substrate for strawberries must contain the nutrients necessary for full growth and development. Without nutrients, a plant cannot grow and a harvest cannot be obtained. In hydroponic systems, the substrate is nothing more than just a material to hold the plant's roots and nothing more. You can do without sustratum altogether if you use the aeroponics method. Nutrition is carried out by delivering a special solution saturated with minerals to the roots. The substrate must meet the following requirements:

• breathability;
• moisture absorption;
• loose structure;
• air capacity.

To prepare a substrate for strawberries, coconut shavings or mineral wool are often used. A good filler is made from a mixture of foam glass and coconut fiber. Drip irrigation installations often use mixtures of vermiculite and peat. It is worth giving preference to a substrate with a fraction of 5-20 mm.

Hydroponics systems

When using hydroponics, plants grow without soil, but to maintain the crop itself and its roots, a container and a certain substrate are needed.

Model of a horizontal hydroponic system.

Filler requirements:

• porosity;• moisture capacity;• air capacity;• fairly dense structure.

The most acceptable substrates for growing strawberries at the moment are considered to be expanded clay, peat mixtures, mineral wool, and coconut shavings . Light plastic containers are used for growing.

Vertical hydroponics system made of two pipes of different diameters.

Strawberry nutrition

At this time, 3 types of hydroponic nutrition systems suitable for growing strawberries are considered the most successful. When using any system, it is important that moisture does not fall on the plant itself, but only delivers nutrition to the root system.

Drip

Watering is done using dropper tubes, similar to drip irrigation in open ground.

Drip irrigation scheme.

An example of connecting a tube to the location of the strawberry.

• Using a water pump, a nutrient solution under pressure is supplied through tubes to the root zone of the crop.
• Plants are planted in containers with holes through which excess water drains into a special tray.
• Plants can be arranged in several rows, both horizontally and vertically.
• You can use bags, plastic pipes, plastic boxes, and litter boxes for planting strawberries.

Nutrient layer

Plastic container with lid and pots.

Aerator at the bottom of the container.

Pump-compressor.

System operation.

Expanded clay in pots with strawberries.

1. With this system, the tips of plant roots are immersed in a constantly circulating nutrient layer enriched with oxygen.
2. The water is supplied by a pump and through the return line, after going through a cycle, returns back to the tank. Thus, the amount of wasted water is saved.

Periodic flooding

With this system, the roots of the plant are completely flooded for some time. The amount and duration of flooding depends on the specific variety of strawberry. Suitable for a large number of sprouts. The design is permanent and must be well adjusted.

Deep water culture system (not suitable for strawberries)

Scheme of growing plants on a floating platform.

There is also a deep water culture system in which the roots of the plants are always placed in the solution and the plant is anchored in foam floating in the solution. But this method is not suitable for strawberries, because they are very susceptible to moisture.

Aeroponics system

With an aeroponics system, the plant receives nutrition not from an aqueous solution, but from fog obtained using a fog generator.

The culture quickly absorbs the necessary elements, and there is no need to monitor the pH of the solution.

Additional growing conditions

In addition to nutrition, strawberries need sufficient lighting. The plant is sensitive to lack of light. Additional lighting is required, especially in winter. When choosing lighting devices, preference should be given to LED lamps with a color temperature of 4000K-6000K and a luminous flux of 25-40 thousand lux. For strawberries, the length of daylight should be at least 12 hours. During the flowering and fruiting period, the bushes need to be illuminated for at least 16 hours a day.

Nutrient solutions

Hydroponic strawberries need a balanced diet. Ready-made solutions for watering plants can be purchased in stores. For those who are starting to get involved in hydroponics, the GHE MAXI fertilizer complex is optimal, which we wrote about in the article: “New packaging for nutrients from GHE” or. The solution must be changed as it grows. In practice, as a rule, this procedure is carried out 1-2 times a week.

For dilution, settled water is used. The Ph level should be no more than 5.8. The health of the plants depends on the quality of the solution. When diluting the solution, it is necessary to accurately calculate the water consumption according to the instructions. The ratio of water and nutrients should be optimal. The requirements for water and nutrient solutions are written in the article: “Nutrient solution for hydroponics,” and the recommended nutritional composition can be borrowed from the article: “Methods of growing strawberries and wild strawberries using hydroponics.”

What solution should I prepare?

For hydroponics, you need to prepare a solution. Many recipes are used for this. For this, mineral fertilizers are used, but some growers prefer to prepare an infusion from organic matter, peat, or compost. You can add ash.

We recommend: How to grow strawberries hydroponically?

Recipe No. 1. Organics are usually not used for hydroponic solutions, but experienced plant growers recommend making a nutrient medium from peat. To do this, you need to prepare 10 liters of water and 1 kg of peat; it is placed in a cloth bag. Place the bag in a bucket and leave for 12 hours, but a day is better. Next, the infusion is filtered, filtered, and checked for pH.

Recipe No. 2. You can use products to feed plants when growing on the ground. These include “Kristalon” for strawberries and wild strawberries. The solution is balanced in minerals.

It contains potassium, nitrogen, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, boron, and other chemical elements. Standard for preparing nutrient liquid: dilute 20 ml of product in 50 liters of water.

Recipe No. 3. Concentrates from GHE have proven themselves well. Take 15 ml of FloraGro and FloraMicro. FloraBloom 13 ml and DiamontNectar 20 ml are added to the solution.

This amount of concentrates is designed for 10 liters. When buds appear on the bushes, DiamontNectar is not introduced. FloraMicro is reduced by 2 ml. Concentrates are diluted in distilled water.

The nutrient solution must be checked for pH. For strawberries, the optimal indicator is 5.5 units. Analyze the EC, the amount of minerals. The EU norm is 1.4-1.8 during the growing season; EU = 1.9-2.5 units during the fruiting period.

Growing conditions

The peculiarity of growing strawberries hydroponically is that the plant needs constant attention. For successful fruiting, you need to provide comfortable conditions.

The distance between bushes in a container should be at least 16 mm. The optimal container volume for planting is 3 liters. To remove excess moisture, the containers must have drainage holes at the bottom.

It is impossible to grow crops without pollination. Flowers must be pollinated by hand, or self-pollinated specimens must be selected. About hand pollination is written in the article: “How to pollinate plants indoors?”

Microclimate

Strawberries develop and bear fruit successfully in warm climates. The room must maintain an optimal level of air temperature and humidity. Strawberries bloom and bear fruit at daytime temperatures of plus 24, night temperatures of at least 16 degrees Celsius. Optimal humidity is within 60-70%. Excessive humidity can lead to the development of fungus; dry air slows down plant growth.

It is necessary to constantly monitor the supply of nutrients, lighting, pollination and air temperature. If all the necessary conditions are met, harvesting is greatly simplified. In an ideal microclimate, plants reveal their potential. Fruits grown hydroponically are incredibly tasty and aromatic. Growing does not create any additional problems, because... there are no weeds or pests.

Nutrients for Strawberries Hydroponics

The last thing you need to start growing hydroponic strawberries is a full complement of nutrients.

Strawberries don't have super high nutrient requirements like other plants, but they will need to be fed throughout their life if you really want to get them to harvest.

Their main needs are nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. But strawberries also need secondary nutrients such as calcium and magnesium.

You'll also need to make sure they're getting enough micronutrients, otherwise you'll start to notice weird deficiencies.

You can't go wrong with brands like... , Botanicare, ... or any of the other brands on our list of the best hydroponic nutrients.

Now let's move on to the actual process of growing hydroponic strawberries. Top

Variety selection

In principle, ordinary strawberries for soil are suitable for growing on a substrate. But there are varieties specifically designed for hydroponics and indoors. They are unpretentious in care and are distinguished by excellent fruiting.

Varieties suitable for growing hydroponically

Remontant varieties are most suitable for cultivation in artificially created conditions. They are unpretentious, easy to pollinate and can produce a good harvest all year round. The following strawberry varieties are suitable for growing using the progressive method for hydroponics:

• Delizzimo;
• Rowena F1;
• Milan F1
• Elan F1;
• Vivara;
• Murano;

Unpretentious varieties were bred by breeders for cultivation under artificial conditions. They are resistant to fungi and pests and have high yields.

Selection of seedlings

With properly organized production, any variety will produce its berries, but the question is whether the result will be satisfactory.

Frigo seedlings for growing strawberries using hydroponics.

Remontant varieties have performed well, producing crops all year round. When choosing a garden strawberry variety for growing using hydroponics, you can pay attention to the varieties Olivia, Mount Everest, Gorekla, Bogota, Yellow Miracle, Festivalnaya, Fresco .

The varieties bred in the Netherlands have also proven themselves well: Corona, Vima Zanta, Gigantella Maxima. The varieties Elizabeth 2, Honey, Albion, Marshall , as well as climbing varieties are praised; they are not only tasty, but will also decorate any room. Alyuba and Geneva are recognized as high-yielding hanging varieties.

The hydroponics method is very popular abroad, so when choosing and ordering seedlings and seeds, you can trust foreign breeders and suppliers. The sprouts arrive properly packaged, whole and alive, ready for planting.

Equipment preparation

In addition to pipes and containers, you will need lighting fixtures and humidifiers. To maintain a constant temperature in winter, you need a heater. When purchasing a pump, it is better to give preference to models equipped with a timer.

Assembly principle

Holes are cut in pipes mounted on stands at a distance of 25 cm from each other. A microtube coming from the central main hose, fixed in a container with a nutrient solution, is lowered into the seedling glasses. The pump supplies power through the tubes into the glasses using a drip method. The built-in timer will regulate the power supply. Hoses must be provided at the bottom of the pipe to drain the waste solution.

Instead of a plastic pipe, you can use a container or large container.

Home growing technology

When using the drip method, plastic pots with perforated walls are placed in holes made along the entire length of the plastic pipe. Seedlings are planted there. It is important that the strawberries must already have roots. They need to be freed from the ground and soaked in warm water for several hours. After placing the seedlings in the pots, the substrate is carefully poured. Water with distilled water. It is poured in a thin layer into the pipe, on the sides of which you must remember to put plugs and coat the joints with silicone sealant. In this setup, the strawberries are left to adapt for up to seven days.

After this, a tube is connected to each pot, through which the working solution will flow. The tubes, in turn, communicate with a hose through which liquid is supplied from the reservoir.

Growing strawberries as a business

Growing strawberries hydroponically does not require any special expenses. Berries can be grown even in an ordinary city apartment, if you create suitable conditions for this. To grow strawberries for sale, it is better to equip an additional room. This could be a greenhouse or a spacious hangar. Before drawing up a business plan, you need to consider the following points:

• choosing a place to grow seedlings;
• reliable equipment;
• consumables (substrate, solution, etc.);
• landing material.

You need to think in advance about points of sale and distribution channels for products. As an option, it is worth considering vegetable warehouses, retail stores, restaurants and cafes. At the initial stage, the business will require investment of funds. Opening a business will cost approximately 100-150,000 rubles, it all depends on the scale of the enterprise. The result is worth the effort. If all conditions are met, strawberries can bear fruit all year round.

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