In order to be able to assess the late varieties at an early stage, for these trials at Hoquet, the roots are stored at a temperature of plus
0 ºC. During storage, ripening then occurs considerably faster. It is thus possible to assess late varieties as early as March. Because Topmodel is not available this season, it was very interesting to see the progress being made by some of the new specimens from which some seed is already available (click on the photos to enlarge).

OK-2209 slightly earlier than Topmodel

The new specimen OK-2209 is a CMS hybrid of the Topmodel type. At the breeding station at Hoquet, the roots which had been stored at above zero already gave a very good impression of the chicory type. OK-2209 has many similarities with Topmodel: strong crop in the field and bulbous, heavy heads with a short pith. Compared with Topmodel, OK-2209 can be forced slightly earlier and its CMS characteristic makes it even more uniform.

A limited number of OK-2209 seeds are available this season. For Topmodel growers in particular, this is a great alternative: the same characteristics as in Topmodel with even better uniformity.