Dirk wk8/9 / 2011

The first trusses of Dirk of the normal cultivation are delivered at Auxion Hoogstraten (Belgium). At plantings of beginning December the 7e truss is flowering.

Big differences are seen at the crop at the moment. From generative until too heavy. It seems that at some nurseries is grown too cautious. Certainly at bright weather conditions it is important to give enough temperature to Dirk. There already will be days with more than 1000 j from now on. We have to make optimal use of this.

Temperatures

In general we advise a pre-night temperature of 15 degrees, latter part of the night 17-17.5 degrees and during the day 21 degrees. At bright weather conditions the temperature of the pre-night can be set at 15.5-16 degrees and at dark weather conditions this can be 14,5-15 degrees. During the day an increasing of light of 3-4 degrees is advised. At dark days we use an average-24-hour-day-temperature of 16.5-17 degrees. At bright days we use an average-24-hour-day-temperature of 19,5 degrees. At bright weather conditions it is advised to extend the day temperature until an hour after sunset. Make sure the plant is heat up to day temperature in time and open the screen in time.

Working the crop

Some nurseries reached the enddistance of the crop, others keep the latest extra stem during coming weeks. There is no one ideal enddistance of the crop, because every nursery is different. As an average we speak about 3.3 stems/m2. At new nurseries it is advised to keep 3.5 stems/m2 and at older nurseries 3-3.1 is well workable. Meanwhile February has passed and Dirk has to be pruned at 6. This can easily be done until July 1st. Pruning frequently a leaf at the head was experienced positively last year. Also during summer.

Fertilizing/watering

At nice weather conditions we are watering 2.5 to 3 times the light intensity m2. Dripping EC is done with an EC of 3.5 and if necessary with a light decrease of 0.3. Keep an eye on the K-value during coming period. This may not lower too much. We achieve a Boron value at the slab of 250 micromol/l to prevent fruit dropping. It is important that the PH is not going too high. With this also the advised generative cultivation practice is certainly very important!