Belgium: Many vine tomatoes in test at Research Centre Hoogstraten

At Research Centre Hoogstraten in Belgium, various tests on tomatoes are running every year. The results, involving various kinds, help determine which varieties will be marketed under the Flandria label. This year there are 4 beef tomato, some 30 vine tomato, and 3 plum tomato varieties. Researchers Dave Pinxteren and Rob Moerkens explain the current state of affairs.

With the large vine tomato (Princess), Merlice is used as reference. "It takes up almost the entire acreage, although there is still some Souplesse" says Pinxteren. Segment varieties are Clodano RZ and 72-751, trial varieties include TH DR0504, DR4017 the TH, EZ 1324, EZ 1332, RZ 72-407 and 72-753 RZ. RZ 72-751 and Clodano were in production before Merlice. “Merlice is unproductive so far, but we expect the kilos to increase during the summer and autumn. The EZ 1324 produces more vines, but Merlice has a high fruit weight."

The reference variety at the fine vine tomatoes (segment Elite) is Diamantino. Previously it was always Dirk, but the latter lost its leading position in the sector. The segment varieties are Avenger (G 286) and Ceranto (RZ 72-702) and Climbo (but not in trial, has already proven itself in previous years), the test varieties are TH DR 2251, DR 4021 TH, EZ 1259, EZ 1273 , G293, G 299 NUN 09008, R 72708 and DR TH 0532. Most fail to match the productivity of Diamantino, with the notable exception of NUN 09008 and 72-708 RZ. The plants are approximately equal in length. The varieties of Gautier, G293 and G 299 have a remarkably high Brix value, but Diamantino remains the tastiest, say consumer panels.

Finally the smallest trial: the plum tomatoes. This particular patch is growing to nearly 30 hectares this year, according to LAVA. Currently, the only accepted variety is the reference variety Prunus. The trial varieties are Cyclade and RZ 72-170. The latter has the highest Brix level, but in terms of production is 20% behind the other two. The Cyclade is lagging behind in terms of number of vines, but compensates that disadvantage with a higher fruit weight.