Experiences are positive. Thanks to its specific genetic characteristics, Diamantino responds well to artificial lighting. Van Antwerpen: “An important advantage in this respect is that this variety is not susceptible to yellow calex in the second half of the season. It also produces fruit of a deep red colour and dark green vines from the very outset. Diamantino is moreover less susceptible to leafburning and shows good mildew tolerance, which is an advantage in the context of biological crop protection.”
Endurance
Diamantino can be said to have very good endurance. “The two facilities that are now producing Diamantino under artificial lighting started growing the tomatoes in July and November of last year. Right now (at the end of May) the crop that was planted in July is still doing very well, which means that the plants’ quality is guaranteed right through to the end of the season. The fact that Diamantino doesn’t give yellow stems at the end of the season also makes it particularly suitable for extra long cultivation periods,” explains Van Antwerpen. He continues: “In terms of production, Diamantino is now comparable with standard varieties, but its greater endurance means that it will be more profitable at the end of the season."Consumer requirements
Enza Zaden regularly performs consumer research. “Our surveys tell us that consumers want vine tomatoes that are firm and have an appealing colour, a good flavour and attractive green parts. Of all the tomatoes that are grown under artificial lighting, right now only Diamantino meets all these requirements. Diamantino also has a good shelf life – something else that the market appreciates,” says Van Antwerpen.Experiences of Kwekerij Gebr. Mies in Wouwse Plantage:
18.000 m2 of Diamantino
Sowing date: 18-9-2012
Planting date: 12-11-2012
Lighting intensity: 13.000 lux
Rootstock: Maxifort
Ronald Mies of Kwekerij Gebr. Mies in Wouwse Plantage was looking for a medium-sized vine tomato with strong green parts that is not susceptible to yellow calex. Diamantino meets every one of those requirements. Roland Mies: “We haven’t come across a single yellow calex yet. This variety also has an excellent shelf life and good endurance. Another advantage is that its development can be efficiently controlled under the artificial lighting. Diamantino isn’t the earliest variety, but it’s certainly not the latest either. Even the first tomatoes are of good quality. At first the plants were growing a bit too vigorously, and a few have become too blocky. So next year I’ll get earlier to more stems/m2, so that the crop doesn’t become too strong and I’ll be able to harvest slightly smaller tomatoes. But all in all we are satisfied, and so is our sales organisation.”
