The new hybrid for early and very early forcing, on which we reported earlier, is a great success. There is a serious demand for this new variety. Although there is a plentiful supply of seeds in 2010, we recommend to order seeds in time !

High specific weight

Roots from the test plots have been distributed to interested companies in the Netherlands and Germany. We have been observing the first results between week 47 and 51 of 2009.These first results have been outstanding. B2 produces a dense head with a high specific weight, outer leaves which extend all the way to the tip, and a relatively short pith (shorter than that of Atlas under the same forcing conditions and from the same plot).

Strong foliage

As we saw earlier, the root production of this CMS hybrid is very good and extremely uniform. Various trials in France and Belgium also show that this early hybrid is tolerant of high nitrogen levels in the soil and also has a strong and healthy foliage. The variety should be positioned for forcing in the period from October to December inclusive. With a growth period of 130 days, this hybrid is earlier than Atlas and very suitable for companies which change over to new chicory earlier. B2 (final name not yet definite) can then be forced until the end of December.