Enza Zaden's cauliflower range has expanded in recent years, with varieties developed to align with current production needs. Cauliflower growers continue to seek solutions that improve efficiency in yield and harvest management. Breeder Herre van der Sloot and product manager Ziv Levin shared their views on recent developments in the crop.
© Enza Zaden
Van der Sloot highlighted two varieties, Twistique and Oceanique, noting their uniformity and plant structure, which simplify harvesting. "Both Twistique and Oceanique stand out for their exceptional harvest efficiency, thanks to a combination of high uniformity and strong plant architecture, which makes these two varieties very easy to harvest: the higher curd set simplifies the harvesting, making it easier for crews to identify and collect mature heads efficiently. Additionally, both Twistique and Oceanique exhibit great homogeneity, consistent growth, and excellent self-covering right up to harvest," he said.
© Enza Zaden
He explained that the focus in breeding is on stability throughout crop development, from uniform growth and self-coverage to reliable harvest quality. Traits such as ease of harvest and reduced manual work are emphasized, while adaptability to varying field conditions remains important. Twistique in particular was described as adaptable across different cycles, performing in both autumn and spring, and climates shifting between hot and cold.
Levin pointed to ongoing challenges for producers, including labor shortages and volatile market prices. "Labor shortages and fluctuating market prices are constant concerns. Here, collaboration is key," he said. Both Levin and Van der Sloot underlined that grower feedback plays a role in variety development to ensure that new selections meet practical requirements.
© Enza Zaden
Enza Zaden continues to work on a broad cauliflower portfolio suited to different production cycles and uses, with research aimed at supporting operational efficiency and consistency for producers.
For more information:
Ziv Levin
Enza Zaden
Tel: +31 (0) 228-350100
Email: [email protected]
www.enzazaden.com
