RZ-100-wt4-E-flipbook-240702 - Flipbook - Page 45
Specialisation by growers and expansion of the
Although Rijk Zwaan initially sees no future in
greenhouse acreage are important developments
hybridisation – he thinks that hybrid varieties are
for Rijk Zwaan. Until the 1950s, it is still common
nothing more than ‘mongrels’ – the far-reaching
practice for growers to themselves produce seeds
specialisation does work to his advantage. It is
for their own use. However, due to specialisation
important to develop varieties that are specifically
and the emergence of cultivation under glass,
suited to greenhouse cultivation.
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54
Romore
Bean
this is starting to change. It turns out to be an
impossible task for growers to grow vegetable
With the limited resources at Rijk Zwaan’s disposal,
seed that is suitable for these new and specialised
it is difficult to develop these types of varieties.
cultivation methods.
After all, these varieties should be able to thrive
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55
Renova
Tomato
under warm conditions in a greenhouse. However,
On top of that, the first types of ‘hybridisation’
the Bergschenhoek farm still has limited access to
are now evident, with seed from ‘hybrid breeds’
a heated greenhouse, which prompts Rijk Zwaan
being created by cross-breeding two inbred lines
to resort to renting greenhouse space.
with each other . Hybrid varieties produce a more
uniform product with a better and more stable
yield than the varieties based on line or family
selection that were used in the past. Growers
do not have the specialist scientific knowledge
required for such breeding methods, making it
virtually impossible for them to grow seed on their
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54
Registration as
a selection
company.
own anymore.
Presentation of portrait
by painter Marius Richter
(left) to Rijk Zwaan, his
wife and his son Jaap
on the occasion of his
50th birthday and the
1954-1955
25th anniversary of the
business, 1949.
1945-1960 | Reconstruction | A bitter pill
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Turnover
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