The variety trials carried out in recent years are organised by LTO Groeiservice, in collaboration with Chiconsult. This year's trials were once again based on duplicate tests, this time with two different soil types, i.e. all varieties were sown on plots with a somewhat heavier soil (clay fraction 24%) and a lighter soil (clay fraction 10%). Both plots were sown on 6 June, and the roots were lifted on 8 November. Both plots were forced at 4 different locations. In one week it was possible to observe the differences between the 4 forcing locations. All Hoquet varieties achieved a very high score, both in terms of yield and quality.

Higher yield and smoother chicons on lighter soil

One striking result from the trials was that roots grown in the lighter soil produced more smooth chicons than roots grown in the heavier soil. It is possible that this was due to the higher potassium concentration in roots grown in heavier soil. The roots grown in the light soil produced fairly smooth, well-closed chicons, with a higher yield. The repeat trials in February will provide additional information about this effect.

OK varieties achieve highest score

In contrast to the large differences between the two soil types, significantly smaller differences were observed between the Hoquet varieties. The best results were achieved with lots forced at the locations using a flatter schedule. The forcing method has a great influence on the end result: the trials indicate the need to switch to a flatter schedule in mid-December.
All Hoquet varieties achieved a very high score, but Jadore and Désir stood out with yields that can best be described as enormous - and their smooth, tight chicons and pith lengths of approx. 40% were excellent (see photographs, click to enlarge). These varieties are a real asset in the range of early varieties! The Hermès trials yielded somewhat slimmer chicons, with slightly longer piths, and consequently the variety continues to be extremely interesting for consumer packaging. In general, Mont Blanc produced slightly shorter chicons with the shortest relative pith: this ultra-short pith is the characteristic of this early hybrid. Atlas, as usual, delivered excellent results. This well-known hybrid, a standard variety, continues to offer growers a high degree of certainty.