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MAINCROP
REDS |
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Note that for these Rijnsburger
types from sets we recommend a tunnel temperature 24 - 250C
for drying to minimise bacterial issues . |
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GARNET / DRO*
More regular shape and more single
centred than Red Baron. Yield, colour, maturity and skin finish similar
to Red Baron. Seed production good, hence now available for direct
drilling as well as in house set production.
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RED QUEEN (F.1.)*
This is in full commercial
production as both sets and drilled for 2010 with continued availability
for 2011. Target is even better uniformity and more globe shaped bulbs
than Red Baron. Also is very slightly paler skin colour.
Varieties with * are exclusive to ABS
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EARLY BROWN
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The early varieties have suffered from seed
production issues and will be very short for 2011. ABS 101 is worst
affected, Jagro is still short. Alpha and Shakespeare o/w are normal
availability.
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ABS 106
(F.1.) *
A very
early variety which was in trial 2009 for the first time. Available as
commercial trials in 2010 after outstanding performance in 2009. Limited
commercial availability for 2011.
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ABS 101 (F.1.)
The earliest Spring planted set variety but could be displaced by ABS
106.
Unfortunately no seed for 2011, hence not available. |
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ABS 107 *
An
alternative variety to ABS 101 which has performed well in early trials.
In trial as sets 2009 and in production 2011 onwards. Significantly
cheaper than ABS 101 but slightly later and more variable
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Alpha *
Well established, cheaper than ABS 101 and still
favoured by some growers. Needs good soil and good attention to curing
otherwise appears pale and thin skinned.
Varieties with * are exclusive to ABS |
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MAINCROP BROWN |
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RUMBA*
Improved Sturon type and same maturity.
It is still the most widely grown brown variety in U.K. More
limited availability in 2011 due to seed production problems.
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STURON
The standard maincrop variety now using ABS
reselected seed to avoid less reputable seed sources. Normal
availability.
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SETTON *
A Syngenta variety but
exclusively for Elite production, similar to Sturon but
slightly thinner
necked and earlier (only day or two) .
Normal availability.
Varieties
with * are exclusive to ABS
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OVERWINTER
BROWN |
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Shakespeare *
The only overwinter brown variety from sets which is
suitable for retail sales. Area currently increased due
to excellent performance from 2009 harvest. No
availability problems for 2010 overwinter planting. No
losses from 2009/10 winter!
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Senshyu *
This is now improved and more similar to Radar than
previously. Now only ABS reselection is supplied.
Varieties with * are exclusive to ABS
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SPRING 2011
Overwinter Variety Summary
This sector now is
reconsidered due to shortage of the earliest Spring
planted brown varieties and increase in demand for
retail/'economy' packs.
Varieties with
* are exclusive to ABS
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Variety |
UK Harvest |
Comments |
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Senshyu* |
End June |
Improved ABS selection now being used, better shape and
quality. Standard overwinter variety for late September
- early October planting. Variable shape, better
yielding but original seed stocks slightly more prone to
bolting than Radar. Most popular for processing.
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Shakespeare* |
Early July |
Increasing again in popularity. 4 - 6 days later than
Radar / Senshyu but better skins and storage. For early
retail packs etc. The best quality overwinter variety
available. No seed problems. |
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Electric |
Early July |
None will
be contracted but small quantities are available on
request. It has generally been replaced by Red Emperor. |
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SPRING 2011
Brown Variety Summary
Varieties with
* are exclusive to ABS
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Variety |
Type |
UK Harvest Date |
Comments |
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ABS 106* |
First Early |
End June |
Very early hybrid. Limited
availability for 2011. Heat treated. Superb result in
2009, may replace ABS 101 if performance is consistent. |
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ABS 101 |
First Early |
End June/Early July |
Earliest hybrid for the first early
slot, harvest as early as 30 June. Not available 2011 |
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Alpha* |
First Early |
Early/Mid July |
Earliest
Spring variety, 3 - 4 days later than ABS 101. Good
shape, round to elongate with fine neck and base plate.
Needs good soil and store management for optimum
results. |
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ABS 107* |
Second Early |
Mid July |
Similar to ABS 101 but more
variability and later. Limited quantities for ongoing
commercial trials. Cheaper alternative to Jagro. |
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Jagro |
Second Early |
Mid July |
7+ days
later than Alpha, slightly flattened globe and high
yielding. Derived from overwinter cross. Availability
limited for 2011. |
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Centurion |
Maincrop |
End July/ Early August |
Earlier
in Holland but only marginally earlier than Sturon in
UK. Bulb shape uniform but flattish. Still popular with
some growers. |
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Rumba* |
Maincrop |
End July/Early August |
U.K.
development over many generations. Target in breeding
has been better shape and storability than Sturon.
Results very satisfactory, also more vigorous and less
doubles than Sturon. Seed availability limiting in 2011.
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Sturon |
Maincrop |
End July/Early August |
Standard variety, same maturity as Rumba. Various
seed sources, not all reliable, ABS selected seed now
used (or reliable alternative). |
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Setton* |
Maincrop |
End July/Early August |
Syngenta
‘replacement’ for Sturon. Improved shape
otherwise similar to Sturon with finer more upright
foliage. Established as one of the main varieties and a
regular inclusion with some growers. Only available as
Elite. Consider use in 2011 to cover shortfall in Rumba. |