Comparison between an early and a late start of Merlice

Both in traditional and in lit cultivation, Merlice frequently finds itself in the spotlight. Growers Van der Voort is an early starter and grower Schenkeveld a late one. A comparison. 

Claus van der Voort: "I find it remarkable that Merlice reacts positively to light. Merlice recovers very quickly after a period of bad weather. In other varieties we had to ease back on temperature, which slows things down. Last year we were faced with Macrolophus damage and Botrytis. Now, everything runs very smoothly. The Macrolophus is fully present without being hindered."

Compared to Van der Voort, the plants were planted more than half a month later. 

Schenkeveld too confirms a good setting. “Merlice copes well with low-light periods. The variety gives a few less flowers, but the setting continues to go well," says Berry Baruch, grower in chief. Berry has an active cultivation regime to keep up the speed. "Merlice loves a low nocturnal average. The afternoon and night temperature should remain high to keep the plant active.”

Berry has seen no pepino symptoms. Also, Schenkeveld saw no need to use pesticides, which provides an advantage for biological crop protection. The Macrolophus is abundant.