Leek variety Previta, the ideal combination for premium growing

Thursday, 18 June 2009

At the moment, the leek variety Previta is grown on 70 hectares in the Netherlands. Roland Sweijen, team leader for leek plants at Enza Zaden, is expecting a doubling of growing area. "There is no variety with such a growing speed or resistance to white rot. Previta has the ideal combination for premium growing in leeks.

Very resistant to white rot

Previta is suitable for premium growing from week 9 until 15. The harvest period is from June until mid July. The variety is grown in the Netherlands, Germany and England and is used as much for the fresh market as for processing. Talking about the current situation Ronald Sweijen said the following:"This season the plants have had little stress and so white rot is not a problem. Previta is really very resistant to white rot, the variety showed this in 2008. Under normal growing situations, has a good shaft length and is easily cleaned on the belt with high production."

Even faster growing times

Next year a few growers will not plant Previta so deep. "Then maybe the variety will gain a faster growing time", thus Sweijen, "therefore the fastest premium variety. The length of the shaft might be a bit shorter but will be long enough so that Previta easily grows above the ground."