Crop Info #2 2024 | Sweet Blocky Pepper

Light figures

From the light figures, it is evident that the first few weeks of the year were above average, but from week 6 to week 9, we have been well below average. Cumulatively from week 1, we are 9% behind last year and 8% behind the multi-year average.

Source: De Lier, Westland

Temperature

The temperature has been higher since the end of January compared to the previous season and above the multi-year average.

Source: De Lier, Westland

International Market Information

Canada
This season, across different regions in Canada, there are over 800 hectares of sweet blocky pepper (comparable to last season). The two main production areas are Ontario and British Columbia, with a total of nearly 800 hectares.  

Ontario:

British Columbia:

In recent seasons, the acreage has remained fairly stable with few shifts. 

The production season runs parallel to the Netherlands, from March to November, with the main market being America. 

Prices have been relatively high for this time of year. 

In terms of pest pressure, in western Canada, they are dealing with Western Flower Thrips, which is difficult to control. Through these thrips, TSWV can be spread. This pest is mainly controlled with Orius. Aphids and stink bugs are also a problem, similar to the situation in the Netherlands. 

Furthermore, they are facing the same root problems as those seen in the Benelux. Last year, about 10% of the acreage was cleared early.

Bedena

General

Bedena is our new red pepper variety with the total resistance package (Tm:1-3, Lt and TSVW:0) that is being grown commercially on a larger scale in Europe this year. Bedena is a generatively powerful variety that is easy to grow, with fast colouring.

Review

Review From mid-January, the first fruit set was counted. What is clearly noticeable with Bedena is that the fruit set comes very easily. With fairly consistent temperatures, the fruit is formed, allowing us to maintain the pace of development. This will also ensure that the fruits develop quickly and not too heavily, thereby keeping the crop in good order. The ease of fruit set was also clearly evident in the second set: while other varieties struggled in the dark weather, new fruits came easily with Bedena.

Current Situation

The earliest fruit set begins to colour in week 11, allowing the first harvest to commence in week 12. 

We are seeing the plant load on some farms increase significantly. In some cases, it is too high, preventing the plant from building up sufficient plant and root volume for the (lean) spring period. With a plant load of 20-23 fruits/m2, you can maintain a faster development and bring about an earlier third set. 

Prefer fruit set on the main stem and avoid fruits on the side shoots to maintain a balanced fruit set pattern.

Climate

For Bedena, a consistent temperature regime is recommended at this time to steer growth sufficiently. As Bedena already has a generative orientation, there is hardly any need to steer fruit set. 

Radiation has a generative influence on the crop. Therefore, we recommend closing the screens earlier in the event of high radiation, followed by gradual adjustment to the night temperature.

Water

After fruit set, continue to provide sufficient water to allow for good fruit swelling.

Outlook

Due to Bedena's open crop, it is important to have sufficient leaf cover. Consider this during topping at this time. From mid-May, longer toppings can be left in place. Remove the fruits on the second leaf of the side shoot. The use of bumblebees can have a positive effect on fruit quality during extreme climate conditions. From mid-April, the plant load can be increased to 35-40 units/m2. 

Try to avoid exceeding 40 fruits/m2 in the coming weeks to maintain stable fruit weight at a good level. The upcoming period is characterised by a leaner climate. Sometimes radiation can be very high while the outside temperature is still low. During this time, the morning temperature can rise very quickly. It is crucial that the crop is activated in time and at the right temperature before the sun rises. 

Radiation affects flower position and the crop. Timely closing of the screens against radiation leads to a positive flower and crop position. In the event of sudden transitions to a summer weather type with high radiation, closing the screen is essential.

Root Problem Project (RPP)

This season, we have initiated a project focused on the root problems seen in recent years. We conduct monthly measurements of source and drainage water to monitor the content of the water. 

This is done on multiple farms to gain a good understanding of the trends in the measured values in the water.

 The next cultivation information will be available on 29th May.