News - 14-11-2024
New LED Cucumber trial in Trial Centre Rijk Zwaan
Rijk Zwaan’s High Tech Trial Centre (TCHT) stands at the forefront of modern growing techniques, enabling the comprehensive collection of crop data. Recently, the company has started a new LED Cucumber trial to showcase the production potential under 327 µmol PAR Light. In this article, Marcel van Koppen, Crop Coordinator Cucumber at Rijk Zwaan, elaborates on this trial and shares what other varieties can be seen at Rijk Zwaan’s TCHT.
Rijk Zwaan aims for higher yields with new LED cucumber trial
In this new LED cucumber trial, Rijk Zwaan planted the high-wire crop on 18 October at the TCHT. Following a successful winter trial in 2023–2024, where Rijk Zwaan achieved a yield of 230 cucumbers per m², the team is now motivated to boost results even further. Marcel van Koppen explains: “The plan is, to gradually increase the amount of LED lighting, reaching full capacity within 2 weeks after planting. We are applying an RTR-strategy (Ratio Temperature Radiation) set at 18°C, adding 2,5 degree per 10 mol light (artificial and natural light together). Pruning strategy will be based on the weekly leaf development.”
Cucumber varieties on display at Rijk Zwaan’s TCHT
At Rijk Zwaan’s TCHT, a diverse selection of cucumber varieties is showcased, suited to various growing systems. “Alongside the popular standard varieties like Skyview RZ and Skylit RZ, we are proud to present our new variety, 24-HW338 RZ,” continues Marcel. “Several trial varieties are also featured, such as 24-HW348 RZ, which provides strong resistance to both CGMMV and Powdery Mildew. Among midi cucumbers, successful varieties like Mewa RZ and Svyatogor RZ are featured, while the mini segment is represented by Bonwell RZ, along with new introductions optimised for high-wire production.”
Visit Rijk Zwaan’s TCHT
The trial will run until 8 April, after which Rijk Zwaan will share the results. Visitors can also explore a variety of cucumber types, including midi, mini, snack, gherkin, and Asian cucumbers. Interested in learning more or arranging a visit? Contact your local Rijk Zwaan representative.
Our High Tech Trial Centre stands at the forefront of modern growing techniques, enabling the comprehensive collection of crop data. Visitors gain valuable insights into how our vegetable varieties perform relative to their own production scenarios. Beyond cucumber trials, the facility also hosts experiments with tomatoes and sweet peppers, reaffirming our commitment to advancing agricultural practices.
Related Articles
The development of shelf diversity
This is the last part of our series in which we celebrate nearly a century of cucumber activity. If you did not yet have the chance to read the first and/or second article, then read more about the evolution of production methods, or the increasing diversity in cucumber breeding. In today’s article, we hear from Heleen van Rijn – Wassenaar (Specialist Marketing Pepper, Cucumber & (water)Melon) about the development of shelf diversity and her perspectives on the future of the cucumber category. Join us as we delve into this timeline!
The evolution of production methods
Several crucial advancements in production methods occurred from 1980 to 1982, which was a period of high energy costs. This ‘energy crisis’ encouraged entrepreneurs to seek creative and efficient ways to capture energy. This is part two of the series where we celebrate nearly a century of cucumber activity. If you did not yet have the chance to read the first article about Breeding, please read more on the increasing diversity in cucumber breeding. In today’s article, we join Marcel van Koppen (Crop Co-ordinator Cucumber) in reflecting on the journey we have taken so far regarding production methods, and looking at what may still lie ahead in the future!
"Ask me anything about our cucumber varieties!"
