Syngenta Seeds is the only Dutch onion breeder to introduce a new variety this year: Promotion. The variety meets the growers' need for stronger varieties. “Certainly with the drought of recent seasons, the demand for robustness is greater than ever. We are responding to that need with this variety," says representative Kees Jacobs.
The variety is a further development of the Motion variety from Syngenta† Promotion has a stronger root system and therefore also produces a higher yield. “In this way you can also use the variety on more difficult soil types, where you would otherwise not grow our varieties so quickly," says Kees. "In addition, the variety is very fast in its development at the start, so less chemistry has to be used . An insecticide or seed coating can also overcome that, but it is an advantage if a variety already has it in it."
Highest Yield
The new variety is an extra-long day onion of the Rijnsburger type, suitable for cultivation in northwestern Europe. "Last year we tested Promotion at 26 locations and at 16 of these locations the variety gave the very highest yield compared to our existing varieties and those of the competition. Growers are therefore very satisfied and a large number have already ordered the seed." , says Kees.
Promotion is specifically bred for quality in storage, which was also the case with Motion. “Promotion therefore gives the same skin resistance and sprouting rest. Only where we sometimes lagged behind in the proceeds with Motion, Promotion scores very well. On the other hand, the variety loses a bit in hardness. We therefore advise not to store the variety longer than until April, where with Motion storage until May or even June is not a problem," says Kees.
Skin-tight
The onion processors are also enthusiastic about the variety. "We are in contact with many exporters and sorters. They mainly emphasize the skin resistance. When a container arrives in Indonesia or the Philippines, the onion must be in good shape. That is fine with this variety," concludes Kees.
For more information:
Photo caption: Michiel van Mol (left) and Kees Jacobs
Author: Izak Heijboer – onionsnews.nl