On May 15th, a meeting took place between a select group of growers at the company of Geert van Ruijven in Tinte, Holland. Following this meeting the experiences were such that a second one, focusing primarily on Merlice, was held on June 19.
According to Geert, the advantages of Merlice can be summed up as follows:
Merlice is a proper variety that does exceptionally well under supplemental lighting. The tomato is relatively easy to manage, if close attention is paid to vine development. In winter, both colour and quality are outstanding. Also, the average fruit weight is very constant, 150-160 grams.
Merlice tomato
Extra attention should be paid to the Magnesium and Potassium gift under supplemental lighting. Also notable is the high pH despite the hefty ammonium gift. In mid-winter, Van Ruijven indicates that Merlice suffered slightly from Magnesium deficiency.
In short:
- Good uniformity between vines
- Outstanding quality and colour during the winter months
- Easy to send manage average fruit weight
- Joint-less
- Great leaf volume during the summer
- Smooth growth in the transition from exposed to unexposed
- Very strongly against leaf edges
- Strong against Botrytis
- IR-mildew resistant
For more information:
De Ruiter Seeds
Leeuwenhoekweg 52
Bergschenhoek
Tel (010) 529 22 22
www.deruiterseeds.nl