Since the start of the year, a remarkable record was set in Finland in the screening facilities. This site has set a new record of production of cucumbers under artificial lighting, reaching astounding 244 kg/m2 in just one year by 2024. This accomplishment demonstrates Finland’s leadership position in modern cultivating cucumbers and demonstrates the quality of our cucumber varieties on the market. For putting this remarkable feat in context The Netherlands has produced the equivalent of 70.52 kg/m2 cucumbers in 2020, based on information from the FAO’s statistical organization, Faostat which was compiled and analyzed by Hortoinfo.

The main reasons behind this record of a cucumber

The remarkable outcome is possible due to advanced methods and innovative selection of varieties as well as close cooperation. The cultivator, Jesper Prinsen, was able to achieve this feat in collaboration with Schetelig. The process of production included three cycles of growing with three of Enza Zaden’s cultivars:

winter: Kyra Summer: Imea The Autumn is Dee Velope.

The selection of Dee Velope in autumn was strategically chosen, because this variety is immune to CGMMV (Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus). Because of the potential threat, the farmer decided to go with this particular variety in order in order to guarantee both yield and the health of the plant.

The main factors that contribute to the record are a plant density of 3.0 plants per square meter and the application of artificial light that is 550 umol/m2/s which creates a perfect setting for the growth of plants.

Making with artificial light

Finland is a world leader in the production of cucumbers with artificial lighting for more than two years. This unique approach has enabled Finnish cultivators to increase the yield and quality of their produce, even in the tough Northern conditions. We have been a crucial partner on this path, providing top-quality varieties that are tailored to the particular requirements of this particular market.

Achievement by Enza Zaden types

Enza Zaden’s variety of cucumbers has for a long time been the most popular among Finnish cultivators. The story of success began with Imea, which is still the top-selling variety in Finland up to the present.

Breeding in the near future

Enza Zaden has invested a lot of money in breeding programs that are specifically designed for farmers who operate in Finland and other similar regions including Norway. These programs concentrate on creating cultivars that are able to flourish in highly-tech conditions under artificial lighting, which focuses on resistance to viruses and consistency in results.

To strengthen its presence to further strengthen its position in this market In order to further strengthen its position in this market, the company just opened an advanced breeding facility dedicated to the cucumber in Enkhuizen. This is an expression of our long-term determination to support growers throughout Finland as well as beyond by providing cutting-edge methods for sustaining and profitable production.

Collaboration to the future

This record-breaking feat that was made in Finland is a result of a close partnership among Enza Zaden as well as local distributors and the growers. They have collaborated to improve the development of products and create solutions that are tailored to the requirements for Finland. Finnish market.