Gherkin; a global production network

Gherkin

special

A global production network

Embracing the challenge of

change

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“A single factor changing in one country can have significant impact worldwide.”

“A combination of both production systems could be conceivable in the future.”

Gerald Krischke Crop coordinator international Rijk Zwaan

Peter Heckmeier Business Manager Gherkins

Embracing the challenge of change together

Think global, act local In agri-food, a worldwide shift is ­occurring towards a more market-­oriented approach. Vegetable varieties have to meet the needs of an evergreater number of chain partners. New opportunities are created through intensive collaboration and knowledge exchange, which is why ‘think global, act local’ has become the modus operandi for the Rijk Zwaan gherkin network.

For the last five years, that vision has formed the basis for the continual development of our network structure and services. Today we have a specialist for each of the following five gherkin segments: flat manual, flat mechanical, vertical indoor, vertical outdoor and vertical outdoor subtropical. Needless to say, those five specialists are involved in continuous dialogue about market developments and requirements, thus enabling them to support clients worldwide on production and commercialisation-related matters.

This global network has allowed us to take a more proactive approach to market developments. We can anticipate changes, create trends and shape visions for the global gherkin business chain. We are your reliable partner.

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The gherkin market is becoming increasingly interconnected on a global level, with the result that even small changes in the worldwide business environment can have a big impact. International gherkin advisors Gerald Krischke and Peter Heckmeier experience this every day. “In response to the rising globalisation of this industry, we are continuously creating innovative gherkin varieties with new resistances and characteristics.”

There have always been changes and

cites the example of labour costs:

“However, in recent years the production

challenges in the world of gherkins, as

“The increased cost pressure in the

of almost all smaller type gherkins has

Krischke knows all too well. “Just think

traditional production markets has led

shifted to India. These gherkins are

of the move from open pollinated to

to those areas shifting, and to a new

harvested manually from a vertical

partheno­carpic varieties in Western

­segmentation of gherkins.”

production system, and in India the

and Eastern Europe in the eighties.

­production-cost situation is still positive.

The difference nowadays, however, is

Shift in production areas

The bigger types gherkins are still

that a single factor changing in just one

From a consumer perspective, not much

produced in the traditional production

country can have a significant impact

has changed; North America, Central

areas close to the manufacturing plants

worldwide.” Heckmeier agrees, and he

Europe and Eastern Europe remain the

– simply because long-distance transport

three major consumption regions.

is not profitable.”

Innovative varieties These shifts are posing considerable challenges in terms of breeding new gherkin varieties. Krischke: “We need to innovate. New varieties should be

Growth of mechanisation

adapted to the climatic conditions or harvest systems in the new production

Nevertheless, change is underway in

areas but must also yield final products

those markets too. “We are seeing a

of the same high quality, irrespective

trend towards further specialisation

of the factors mentioned earlier. It’s

and mechanisation of production.

important to bear in mind that today’s

In the USA, gherkins are increasingly

gherkin producers are not the same as

harvested fully mechanically in a ‘once-

the gherkin producers of ten years ago.

over harvesting’. Central Europe uses a

Besides the wishes of growers and plant

semi-mechanical system, the so-called

propagators, we also take into account

‘fliegerernte’.

retailers’ and processors’ demands, for

A combination of both production systems

instance. Mutual collaboration benefits

could be conceivable in the future.”

the entire chain.”

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Rijk Zwaan is one of the global leaders in innovative varieties of the cucumber family, including the long cucumber, the mini, the slicer and the gherkin. “We have a single global breeding team for all these crops. This approach has an enormous

Eric Bal is head of Rijk Zwaan’s Cucurbitaceae breeding team. The team’s 27 breeders and selectors work in all main global production areas and are supported by a state-of-the-art, high-tech research department. The team has achieved significant successes in the last few

benefit for growers, because a genetic breakthrough in, for

decades, such as being the first to introduce

instance, the long cucumber can be directly applied in the

“We firmly believe in this concept and

gherkin breeding programme too. We see this with characteristics

decades,” says Bal. “This means a constant

partheno­carpic gherkin varieties in 1984. have continued to improve it over the past fruiting of the gherkins, independent of bee

such as parthenocarpy and virus resistances.”

activity, and a continual, reliable production

Breeder Eric Bal:

“Growers benefit from a global 4

of perfect quality for the industry.” Other,

from numerous genetic sources which

more recent innovations include the

we use to perform many tests, both in

first parthenocarpic gherkin varieties for

the lab and out in the field, every year.

once-over mechanical harvesting in the

We are also able to screen selected

USA and varieties for manually harvested

material with marker technology.”

small-grade gherkins in India.

Nevertheless, this disease is difficult

yield and perfect quality.”

to overcome. The resistance is linked

Problematic disease

to other, more negative charac­teristics

Another matter that has the full

such as flower scars and a significantly

attention of the Rijk Zwaan breeding

lower production. “To be honest,”

team is developing a resistance against

continues Bal, “I think it will take a few

downy mildew in gherkins. Bal: “In

more years before we have developed a

fact, it’s one of our top priorities.

gherkin variety with a good level of resis-

Downy mildew is one of the biggest

tance against downy mildew. When we

problems in all Cucurbitaceae crops,

eventually introduce such a variety, we

including in gherkins. We have a large

want to be sure that it will be an absolute

gene bank containing basic material

top variety which also produces a high

approach to resistances” 5

12-401 RZ Enables winter production

Breakthrough by Rijk Zwaan

Using the current “12-401 varieties, RZ it has so far been virtually impossible to has been

specifically developed to and Russia due to the produce fresh gherkin in the winter in Ukraine grow in However, low-lightthe conditions.” poor light conditions. introduction of 12-401 RZ now Bal,trials have been successful,” says looks set to change all that.Eric “The breeding manager Rijk Zwaan

breeding manager Eric Bal. 6

in Russia and Ukraine The gherkin is a traditional and extremely

After having conducted extensive trials

Bal is also enthusiastic about the quality

popular vegetable in Russia and

with good results, Rijk Zwaan has intro-

produced: “The fruits from the new

Ukraine, and lots of fresh gherkins are

duced the new variety 12-401 RZ.

12-401 RZ variety are exactly the quality

consumed there all year round. The

This is the first variety that can be

that growers are looking for. The fruits

two countries are key production areas

planted in January to produce very

have a length:diameter ratio of 4.0-4.5,

too, but the cold, dark winters make it

good-quality gherkins from the end of

which is longer than average. Also the

difficult for the current gherkin varieties

February onwards. Hence, 12-401 RZ

colour is a nice, dark green – the colour

to yield the right quality and volumes.

represents a viable alternative for the

consumers like. Therefore, 12-401 RZ

Therefore, local growers are forced to

midi and long cucumber crops normally

is a very good variety to supply to the

grow midi or long cucumbers instead.

produced in that period.

market at that time of year.”

Bal, who witnessed the trials in Russian Now, however, a recent breakthrough

greenhouses last year, explains that

by Rijk Zwaan is about to change this

the results have been very promising.

situation. The Rijk Zwaan breeding team

“12-401 RZ has been specifically

has worked to develop gherkins which

developed to grow in low-light conditions.

make more efficient use of the available

The variety is parthenocarpic, so polli-

light – and with success.

nation is not needed. It also produces

“This is the first variety that can be planted in January.”

one fruit per internode, and that is very

“The fruits from the new 12-401 RZ variety are exactly the quality that growers are looking for.”

important to keep the production in

Bal describes the 12-401 RZ as a real

balance. Producing more fruits at once,

breakthrough in the Rijk Zwaan assortment.

as spring and summer crops do, would

“This new variety opens up a lot of

use up too much of the plant’s energy

new possibilities for the successful

during the low-light, winter period.”

year-round production of gherkins, even during wintertime in Russia and Ukraine.

We will continue conducting practical trials with this and other new varieties

Eric Bal, breeding manager Rijk Zwaan

to develop different and even better growing methods, such as growing with artificial light for instance.”

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Puccini RZ Leading the way in introducing RZ parthenocarpic varieties to the North American gherkin market

No bees needed, better yields and better interiour quality

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American gherkin producers are renowned for their efficient cultivation techniques, innovative harvesting machines and good production management practices.

They also work very closely with their processors or buyers on variety selection to ensure a high-quality end product.

In spite of all these efforts, they are being hindered each year by two factors that are out of their control, namely the weather and bee activity.

Bees are no longer needed With the introduction of Rijk Zwaan’s parthenocarpic varieties, of which Puccini is the main one, we have totally eliminated the need for bees without affecting yield and quality. In fact, the yields are now even better and so too is the interior quality, since no seeds are present.

No going back to standard varieties

New fermentation method

Lisa Moeller and Mt. Olive have since gone

Bayview Food Products in Michigan is a

NaCl-free gherkin fermentation using

their separate ways. Together with Mr Bill Scott,

major foodservice supplier of gherkins

CaCl2 in a tank fermenting process was

Ms Moeller has now founded a company

(McDonalds). Bayview’s agriculture

developed by R&D manager Lisa Moeller of

called Fermenting Solutions International

manager, Randy Hugo, said they were

Mt. Olive in cooperation with Dr Suzanne

to patent and sell LCC, a short fermenting

close to losing one of their biggest and

Johanningsmeier and Dr Ilenys Perez-Diaz

process called ‘A-ferm’. We are keen to

best growers due to a very severe bee

of USDA in North Carolina. This process

present this company and its new process

allergy until Rijk Zwaan introduced him

was tested successfully on the Rijk Zwaan

together with our varieties at field days and

to RZ varieties which decreased his

gherkin variety, RZ Puccini.

other events in Europe.

chances of getting stung. The grower is now very happy with the results he has been getting from the RZ varieties and said he would not go back to standard hybrid varieties.

Puccini now part of major gherkin production programs Puccini and other Rijk Zwaan varieties are now part of gherkin production programs for the major processors like Mt. Olive and Vlasic plus the large gherkin buyers like Hartung Bros., Nash Produce and Chary Produce.

Having these companies using RZ varieties has helped Rijk Zwaan to steadily increase its share of the North American gherkin market, year on year.

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high yielding

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India and Rijk Zwaan focus on

parthenocarpic hybrids The gherkin industry in India is very well established with exports reaching 225.000 metric tones per annum. Rijk Zwaan is one of the strong global players in gherkin seeds supply. Their Indian varieties focus mainly on parthenocarpic hybrids.

Another positive feature is Chandini’s very cylindrical uniform shape. Its uniformity boosts the high percentage of 1-6 cm gherkins and reduces the wastage in processing units. The fruits are very pleasant to see. Dark green coloured and

Gherkin cultivation, processing and

strong resistant package, which helps

with dens spines which give the fruits not

exports were started in India during the

growers to reduce chemical applications,

only an appealing look but also a good

early 1990s with a modest beginning in

are part of the secrets of the varieties

protection against the feared fruit fly.

Karnataka State in South India and later

success.”

And last but certainly not least, the plants

extended to the neighbouring states of

Next to its high yield and disease

are of high yielding nature. Chandini

Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Here

tolerance Chandini pleases the

benefits farmers by increasing their

the conditions are prevalent throughout

processing industry with important

revenue and processors by reducing

the year, making these regions ideal to

features as LD ratio, colour and crispy

the overhead costs of field production

take up three crops of gherkins annually.

texture of the fruits. Rijk Zwaans breeding

operations. The crop disease resistance

team always keeps these basic criteria’s

to Downey mildew and viruses (CMV and

in mind while creating new varieties.

ZYVMV) is a bonus treat in the hybrid. It

Since January 2011 Rijk Zwaan is officially active in India’s gherkin seeds

reduces the use of chemical sprays, saves

market. “We strongly believe that seed is

Chandini RZ

farmers money and increases food safety

the key tool for success of any agro based

Chandini RZ is Rijk Zwaan’s first new

from processors and consumers points

processing industry”, indicates Prasanna

generation parthenocarpic hybrid on the

of view.

Damdahalli, Rijk Zwaan gherkin

Indian market. The uniqueness of this

specialist in India.

variety is its open plant architecture. This

Currently there are more than 100,000

ensures good ventilation and aeration,

small farmers who are engaged in the

and in turn reduces fruit abortion and

production of gherkins. Prasanna:

fungai infections.

“Our vision is to provide those growers with high yielding and disease tolerant hybrids. Chandini RZ is the first new generation parthenocarpic hybrid we brought to the Indian market.”

Chandini was launched April 2012 and the variety immediately started changing the existing gherkin production dynamics. Since its introduction Chandini has been expanding its market share steadily by performing positively in all agro climatic zones of gherkin growing areas and fitting well as the year round hybrid. “This wide adaptation and its 11

Global Gherkin Team

Peter Heckmeier

Laszlo Ragyak

Andrij Galagurja

Erkut Bac

Business Manager Gherkin

Crop specialist vertical

Specialist indoor gherkin

Crop specialist gherkin

p.heckmeier@rijkzwaan.de

cultivation

Ukraine, Molavia

Turkey

International

a.galaguria@rijkzwaan.de

erkut.bac@rijkzwaan.com.tr

Sergey Semenov

Gerard Hulisz

Dr. Gerald Krischke

l.ragyak@rijkzwaan.hu

Crop coordinator international,

Marcin Pawlak

Specialist indoor gherkin

Area manager RZ Export

Specialist flat cultivation

Crop specialist gherkin

Russia

Phillipines, Thailand,

Germany, Austria

Poland, Baltic States

s.semenov@rijkzwaan.ru

Vietnam

g.krischke@rijkzwaan.de

m.pawlak@rijkzwaan.pl

g.hulisz@rijkzwaan.nl Gennandy Sudenko

Stanislav Ovcharyk

Crop specialist gherkin

Prasanna Damdahalli

Crop specialist gherkin

Russia

Crop specialist gherkin

Ukraine, Moldavia

g.sudenko@rijkzwaan.ru

India, SriLanka, Vietnam p.damdahalli@rijkzwaan.com

s.ovcharyk@rijkzwaan.ua Igor Streliuk Project manager

George Pape

Central Asia

Project manager gherkin

i.streliuk@rijkzwaan.de

USA, Canada georgepape2@gmail.com Marcelo Sartori Crop specialist gherkin Brazil m.sartori@rijkzwaan.com Lionel Bardin Business manager South America Cluster South America l.bardin@rijkzwaan.com

Rijk Zwaan’s descriptions, illustrations, growing advices and any other information in whatever form for example on expiry, sowing, planting and harvesting dates are based as precisely as possible on experiences in trials and in practice. However, Rijk Zwaan does not accept in any case liability for damages resulting from the use of such descriptions, illustrations, growing advices and information. The buyer/user itself is responsible for proper storage of the seeds and will be deemed to determine whether the products and growing advices are suitable to be used for the intended cultivations and under the local conditions. Inclusion of a variety in this edition does not automatically imply that such a variety is available for purposes of exploitation; it might be available for testing only. For more information, please contact Rijk Zwaan (www.rijkzwaan.com). The pictures in this edition show the types to which the varieties as mentioned belong and not all varieties as such. These pictures do not constitute any warrranty, express or implied, of crop performance.

Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel B.V. P.O.Box 40 | 2678 ZG De Lier | The Netherlands | T +31 174 532 300 | info@rijkzwaan.com | www.rijkzwaan.com