Netherlands: Atalante peppers under diffuse glass at Westdorpe

At the location in Westdorpe, The Netherlands, the growers of VGT Zeeuws-Vlaanderen cultivate 15ha of the yellow pepper variety Atalante. At the company in Rijkevorsel (B), VGT is growing 15ha red this season. Atalante is planted as early as November 17, having a sowing date of October 8th. Staf: "The plants supplied were very good. It was a healthy and equal batch, which is important for a good start of cultivation."

Cultivation
The plants are rooted and growing goes according to plan. "To the right of the aisle we wanted the first fruit on the fourth node and left of the aisle on the fifth and sixth node. So we spread the work pressure and so far that has worked out very well," says Staf. VGT Zeeuws-Vlaanderen cultivates Atalante in a four-stem system with a stem density of 7.08 stems / m2. The first days after planting, the temperature was kept at an even 19 °C. Thereafter, it was increased to 21 °C. Ten days prior to the desired setting, the temperature (light-dependent) was lowered to 19 °C for twenty-four hours with a lowest temperature of 18 °C at the time of the initial setting. From the first setting the daily temperature again went up to 20 to 20.5 °C.

Switch
After several years of Bentley, this is the first year VGT does Atalante. "The main reason for the change is that Atalante has an open crop and is more manageable." Although Bentley is known as prolific and early, Staf also has high expectations of Atalante. "I expect uniform quality peppers and sufficient coarseness until the end of cultivation."

Diffuse glass
As said, the new greenhouse has diffused glass. The advantage of this is that there is less direct radiation, the light is spread and penetrates is deep into the crop. Staf sees this as a great advantage in cultivation. "With diffuse glass we have better quality fruits and higher production."

More information:
Enza Zaden
Haling 1E
1602 DB
Enkhuizen
T +31 (0)228 350 100
F +31 (0)228 315 960
info@enzazaden.nl
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