10,5 hectare with Maldonado peppers at Wilfred van de Berg:
"Netherlands: "Slightly lighter peppers for flow pack market"
Wilfred van den Berg
In addition to being lighter, Maldonado is also more regular and easier to handle. Wilfred: "Its vigor and strong roots are also absolute advantages, as is its Tm: 3 resistance. At the outset, the fruit weight is a little higher, but by summer it’s around 190 grams. Also, Maldonado has a labor-friendly and open crop, which makes it less sensitive to Mucor, a fungus you sometimes see in other varieties during dark, damp periods."
Photosensitive
During cultivation, it’s important to guide the plant properly. “Maldonado is pretty sensitive to light. It really needs the sunlight,” says the grower. Screening isn’t something Wilfred does on a regular basis, but the variety doesn’t really need it. "Maldonado doesn’t need much to grow. The fruits aren’t exposed, and coloration is fairly strong compared to other varieties.”
Diffuse coating
When warm weather arrives, Wilfred uses diffuse coating on the roof. "The advantage of a coating is that it gives a bit of rest, for yourself and for the plant. It doesn’t require as much attention as with screening. In addition, it increases productivity, at least in my experience. The light penetrates deeper into the plant and because you can keep the vents closed, there is more CO2 in the greenhouse. This is conducive to production."
Right choice
Wilfred is convinced he made the right choice with Maldonado. "In its segment (180-190 grams), Maldonado does especially well during the summer. It loves the light, and is able to keep its fruit weight throughout.”
More information:
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