"Cucumber 24-237 RZ is selective of itself"

In 2015 Rijk Zwaan had a lot of trials of their new variety 24-237 RZ for summer and autumn cultivation. The experiences with the newcomer are positive.

The 24-237 RZ plantings gave a high yield and with approximately 400 grams fruit weight was also more than enough. The number of products was regularly above the level of Roxanna RZ and equal to that of Laureen RZ. Compared to the latter 24-237 RZ scored a fruit weight that was approximately 20 grams higher.

Besides the high yield, the quality of the newcomer was also notable. The cucumbers have a good shape, nice ribbing and dark green color. Durability tests also had positive results.

In terms of growth the newcomer seems to sit between the Roxanna and Laureen varieties. It was also noted that 24-237 RZ remained stable in most trials. No burnt or split heads were observed during the tests.

"Last summer we had 24-237 RZ on 9,000 m². That's about a third of our new greenhouse. They were planted fairly late, on August 11, with a density of 1.45 plants per m². Late planting should result in heavier cucumbers. And 24-237 RZ has that weight. We harvested only size 40 fruits, so the fruit was slightly heavier than our other breed Bonifacio RZ. They also had significantly more ribbing. Strong fruits that reflected the strength of the crop."

"24-237 RZ is an easy crop to work with. What stands out most is its strength; it grows quite strongly, especially when you see it next to a more skimpy Bonifacio. Next season we will probably try to have more of a plant load, keep more stems. It's mostly noticeable in the number of cucumbers on the vine. It helps that 24-237 RZ is selective of itself. It regulates what it can carry itself, and it does it well. The last harvest was on November 17 and the fruit was still great."

"Last year we had a test line of 24-237 RZ next to our main variety Laureen RZ. The breed was immediately exposed to a hot summer with temperatures around 38°C. The newcomer did well and also showed more vigor than the other varieties. Despite the extreme conditions we saw a strong shoot development, resulting in high production. Compared to Laureen the yield in kilograms was 6% higher. We did not measure the fruit weight but I thought it seemed slightly higher. So a great result. This summer 24-237 RZ will probably become our new main variety."

"We have a traditional crop with a high wire. We planted 24-237 RZ on June 19 with a density of 1.4 plants/m². The crop stayed on through 10 September. Fine fruits, really. We do our own durability tests in which it scored well. The fruits are short, dark green, beautifully ribbed and full. It also turns out to be a nice variety to work with. Despite the vigor it was not too full and precisely because of that power the plant maintained a nice balance. If we grow this variety again, we will follow the same strategy."

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