Jocker is a very early CMS-hybrid, suitable 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. Jocker can then be forced until the end of December.

Strong foliage

As we saw earlier, the root production of this chicory-variety 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.

High specific weight

These first results have been outstanding. Jocker 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).

Lower forcing temperatures

This additional earliness also means that plant development needs to be steered more carefully. The pith temperature and sprouting power need to be kept under control. We have achieved great results with forcing temperatures that are 1-2 degrees lower than those usual for Atlas, with heavy, gleaming heads and an excellent head shape. Furthermore, Jocker has outer leaves that extend all the way to the tip and a relatively short pith.

(*)   -Key figures on the basis of forcing period: harvesting months for the chicons
       -Cultivation of the roots is based on dutch climate conditions

(**)  1 ha = 2,47 ac

(***) in order to speed up ripening, use pre-chilling with a chilling temperature of approx. 3°C