Hazera has been breeding round radish actively for several decades, focusing on innovation and a well chosen range of key traits. Below is a short look at the latest innovations in this crop, that is becoming increasingly popular among consumers.
Round radish growing ranges from indoor with high density sowing (giving a small bulb size < 30 mm) to outdoor low density (bulb size > 40 mm) and outdoor high density sowing (intermediate bulb size). From direct sowing in the harvest period in the summer, radish grows in just 20 days indoors and 25 days outdoors, making it a fast crop. Usually round radish varieties are red coloured.
According to Wim van der Heijden, Global Product Manager Root & Bulb Crops at Hazera, market leadership didn’t come by coincidence: “Since 1974 we’ve been breeding and selecting round radish varieties, systematically searching for the advantages that markets were demanding. In 1987 we made a breakthrough introducing high performance hybrid varieties with higher yields and uniformity. Beside yield and uniformity, we put much focus on reliability in all growing conditions.”
One of the main focus points today in variety breeding is disease resistance. Disease in crops can have dramatic consequences for growers’ incomes. Wim: “Recently Hazera succeeded to introduce high levels of resistance to Fusarium and to White rust (Albugo candida). Especially the last one, introduced in our variety Autella, is a real breakthrough. Downy mildew is another important resistance that we are bringing to higher levels now.”
“The radish team” from left to right: Wim van der Heijden (Global Product Manager Root & Bulb), André van Andel (Senior Radish Breeder) and Frank de Lange (Production Specialist).
Hazera’s breeders work on needs expressed by growers, but also on those expressed by processors, distributors and supermarkets. Wim: “Bulbs should always have high internal quality, and be highly solid. Internally they should be nicely and evenly white, and remain so after the product has been cut, for example for use in prepacked salads. Consumers like to have them available year-round, so our breeding extended this spring crop to a real four seasons one. In general good shelf life, nice taste and a fresh appearance are very important and definitely within our breeding scope.”
Another innovation is the introduction of a completely white round radish hybrid. Wim: “The new white radish, that is also resistant to White rust, enables very nice red-white-green colour combinations on the supermarket shelves, so the product becomes even more attractive.”
Radish, with the Latin name Raphanus sativus, belongs to the Cruciferae or mustard family. There are many types, colours and shapes. Over the past decades radish has gained popularity and is now grown and consumed all over the world, from the Americas to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Radish is commonly sold loose or in bunches, is often pre-packed and used more and more in pre-cut salads. It is a healthy product to consume, with high levels of important vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, potassium and zinc. Radish contains high levels of anti-oxidants as well.
For more information:
Mr. Lando van Doorn
Hazera Seeds
Tel.: +31 (0)162 690900
Fax: +31 (0)162 680970