During the recent Hazera Open Days in the Netherlands, we had the opportunity to sit down with Maarten Danenberg, our Regional Product Manager for Brassica, to discuss Hazera’s continued innovations in cabbage breeding. With Brassica being a key component of Hazera’s history, it is exciting to see how we are adapting and excelling in today’s agricultural landscape.
Hazera’s Legacy in Brassica
Brassica breeding has been part of Hazera’s DNA since its origins in developing varieties tailored for Western Europe. Today, Hazera has expanded globally, offering a wide assortment of purpose-specific varieties that meet the diverse needs of different regions. As Maarten shared, the Research and Breeding teams work closely with Hazera’s global network of subsidiaries and distributors, staying updated on trends and preferences in various markets.
The Future of Sustainable Brassica Production
In light of the increasing demand for fresh produce and the pressures on natural resources, Hazera remains committed to producing high-quality, sustainable Brassica varieties. Maarten emphasized that one of Hazera’s core goals is to meet these demands without compromising the quality or nutritional value of crops like cabbage, which are known for their high yield and health benefits.
Hazera’s Leading Cabbage Varieties
One of the highlights of our conversation was learning about the specific cabbage varieties that Hazera has developed, which address different climates, consumer needs, and storage preferences.
Campbell: High-Yielding White Cabbage for Long Storage
One of the standout varieties is Campbell, a high-yielding white cabbage that performs exceptionally well in continental climates. It is designed for medium to long storage and is a favorite for growers looking for robust, reliable storage cabbage.
• Maturity: 140 days
• Density: 35,000 plants per hectare
• Head size: 2.5–4 kg
• Storage: Can be stored until June
• Resistance: Strong resistance to thrips, intermediate resistance (IR) to Xanthomonas campestris (Xcc), and high resistance (HR) to Fusarium oxysporum (FoC)
Campbell’s durability makes it an ideal choice for growers seeking a high-yield cabbage that can withstand longer storage periods.
Tyson: Easy-Growing Variety for Short to Medium Storage
Next is Tyson, another high-yielding white cabbage variety, but tailored for shorter to medium storage. Growers appreciate Tyson for its ease of cultivation and reliable performance.
• Maturity: 110 days or more
• Usage: Designed for short to medium storage
• Notable Traits: Strong and reliable variety
Tyson is a go-to choice for growers who need a cabbage that is easy to manage while still delivering excellent yields and storage performance.
Cali: Early and Flexible White Cabbage for Fresh Market
Lastly, Cali is an early and flexible variety that performs well in both summer and autumn, offering growers excellent yield and market versatility. With uniform heads, this variety is ideal for fresh market purposes.
• Maturity: 80 growing days from transplanting to harvest
• Head size: 3–5 lbs.
• Recommended transplant density: 30,000+ plants per acre
• Traits: Well-covered, round, and attractive greenheads
• Usage: Dual purpose, with high density making it ideal for fresh market
• Resistance: High resistance (HR) to Fusarium oxysporum (FoC)
Cali’s high-density growth and attractive green heads make it a top choice for fresh market growers.
Commitment to Excellence in Brassica Breeding
As Hazera continues to lead the way in Brassica breeding, the company’s commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation remains clear. With varieties like Campbell, Tyson, and Cali, Hazera is providing growers around the world with versatile, high-yielding cabbage crops that meet a wide range of needs. Whether it is the resilience of Campbell, the reliability of Tyson, or the flexibility of Cali, Hazera’s cabbage innovations are a testament to the company’s dedication to supporting the future of agriculture.
Would you like to know more? Contact us or check out out cabbage portfolio.
