Each year, Chicosem tests a number of new Hoquet specimens for use in practice in the Netherlands. These specimens are sown in the field and follow the same growth and processing cycle as the varieties in actual use. This enables an optimal comparison with the standard varieties. This year Chicosem is testing three pre-commercial varieties for early and intermediate forcing.

B2

B2 seems to be the hybrid which is most ready for use in practice. A number of companies have forced B2 in November and December 2009. The results of forcing were, without exception, extremely promising. B2 has a firm, glossy head with a short pith (click on the clickable photos 1&2 to enlarge). We saw earlier that the field qualities (a high number of achievable roots with strong, healthy foliage) are excellent. With its 130 growth days, B2 is somewhat earlier than Atlas and suitable for the forcing period from October to December.

OK-76

This is another new hybrid for the early forcing period. The first results of field tests in the Netherlands are promising. This hybrid also shows very good root and head production. More results will follow in the coming weeks (clickable photos 3&4).

OK-73

This is a new hybrid for intermediate forcing beginning in January. The first test results in the Netherlands are in. In December we see a rather rounded head shape. Longer storage is required. This specimen will be further tested in February and March (clickable photos 5&6).