24 January 2025 News
In the beginning of this year, an extraordinary milestone was achieved in Finland at one of our screening locations. This location has broken the record for cucumber production under artificial light, achieving an astonishing 244 kg/m² over a single year in 2024. This achievement underlines Finland’s leading position in advanced cucumber cultivation and highlights the strength of our varieties in this market. To put this impressive achievement into perspective, the Netherlands produced an average of 70.52 kg/m² of cucumber in 2020, according to data from FAO's statistical agency, Faostat and prepared by Hortoinfo. Source
Malene Antonsen (Enza Zaden), Jesper Prinsén (grower) Peter Söderback (Schetelig) - photo was taken by Sara Viklund-Granfors (Schetelig).
This remarkable result was made possible through a combination of advanced techniques, innovative variety selection, and close collaboration. The grower, Jesper Prinsén, achieved the record in partnership with Schetelig. The production process involved three growing cycles using three of our varieties:
The choice of Dee Velope in autumn was strategic, as this variety is resistant to CGMMV (Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus). Due to a potential virus risk, the grower opted for this variety to ensure both yield and plant health.
Key factors contributing to the record include a planting density of 3.0 plants/m² and the use of 550 µmol/m²/s artificial light, creating an optimal growing environment.
Finland has been a global pioneer in cucumber production under artificial light for over two decades. This innovative approach has allowed Finnish growers to maximize yield and quality, even in the challenging northern climate. We were a key partner in this journey, offering high-performing varieties tailored to the unique needs of this market.
Our cucumber varieties have long been a favorite among Finnish growers. The success story began with Imea, which remains the market-leading variety in Finland to this day. Enza Zaden’s commitment to innovation ensures that our varieties continue to meet the demands of modern greenhouse production, offering high yields, excellent fruit quality, and resistance to critical viruses.
We have invested heavily in breeding programs designed specifically for growers in Finland and similar regions, including Norway. These programs focus on developing varieties that thrive in high-tech environments under artificial light, with an emphasis on virus resistance and consistent performance.
To further strengthen our position in this segment, our recently opened a state-of-the-art breeding facility dedicated to cucumbers in Enkhuizen. This investment reflects our long-term commitment to supporting growers in Finland and beyond with cutting-edge solutions for sustainable and profitable production.
Variety Dee Velope (picture taken by Jesper Prinsén)
The record-breaking achievement in Finland is also the result of close collaboration between Enza Zaden, local distributors, and growers. Together, we have worked to optimize product development and tailor solutions that meet the specific needs of the Finnish market. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue breaking boundaries with our partners, ensuring that growers around the world can achieve new heights in productivity and quality.
For more information about our cucumber varieties and breeding programs, please visit our website or contact us directly.
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