It’s been almost seven years since Merlice was introduced and only six years ago that the tomato got its name. During that time, the variety has grown into one of the main varieties in the tomato sector. And taking into account that in the beginning it did not really do well in the trials, Jack Endhoven of De Ruiter tells. "Merlice was not a success right away. Initially it was put next to Komeett, but Komeett is quite generative, while Merlice is very vigorous. That is why its potential was not immediately visible. Only when growers were in full production, the possibilities of Merlice became visible."
In the last few years, the variety has broken all yield records and is the main variety in large truss. And while all breeders in this segment sometimes endeavored to deliver 'the new Merlice', they never got that qualification at De Ruiter. "Now for the first time in seven years we really have a series that can exceed Merlice at different levels. We have never seen this before and that makes this series so special," Jack explains.
Deep red coloring and better taste
Within the company, however, they have been working for years on a potential new variety - though, according to Jack, it's not quite the right description. "It will not be a replacement for Merlice. We have not been looking for that. But we also hear that there is a demand for a variety with a deep red coloring and an intense flavor. A few years ago these goals were transmitted to our breeders." It resulted in the ‘1000 Series’: six varieties that are all IR-mildew resistant and can compare themselves with Merlice in vigor of growth. "And all fit for lighting," says Jack. "Where one is highly rated for taste, the other is in a somewhat smaller size but has a distinctive red shine and another makes the difference in its largeness. They do not have to replace Merlice but will be positioned as an alternative next to Merlice. This way growers can choose for a 1000 Series variety that fully covers their needs."
The varieties are currently not yet commercially available. They are in the third of the four phases before they can go to the market. "We are already presenting them now. We want to know the opinion of the growers, which of the six is preferred and why. Then finally we can present that variety that offers added value to both the grower, the merchant and the consumer."
The varieties were presented on the open day of De Ruiter, under the slogan "Sharing your passion, seeding your success".
For more information:
Nico van Vliet (e-mail)
De Ruiter Seeds
Leeuwenhoekweg 52
Bergschenhoek
Phone +31 105292415
Fax +31 105292400
www.deruiterseeds.nl