Onion STARTER F1

Stability and Yield: The Potential of Dutch Breeding

The market for processing onions has strict requirements: uniformity, husk density, and technological suitability. The Starter F1 hybrid from Nickerson Zwaan is a classic representative of Dutch breeding, designed for those who focus on mechanized production and predictable results. Developed for large-scale farming, this onion confidently occupies a niche for medium-maturing varieties.

Agronomic Profile and Resistance

The growing season is 90-100 days, which allows for optimal harvest scheduling. One of the key features of Starter F1 is its biological reliability. High resistance to downy mildew (peronosporosis) and fusarium allows for reduced pesticide use while maintaining a yield potential of 70-90 tons per hectare. These indicators make it a favorite for farms specializing in industrial processing.

Bulb Characteristics and Storage

The commercial quality of the hybrid meets the demands of processing plants:

• Shape: regular, rounded, ideal for automated processing.
• Color: pure white flesh covered with strong, light-brown skin.
• Mass: 130-140 grams — an optimal size for standardized produce.
• Dry matter content (10-12%) ensures excellent flavor and density during processing.

Starter F1 retains its quality for 5-6 months, offering farmers flexibility in product sales. By maintaining the recommended seeding density of 1,000,000–1,100,000 plants per hectare, the hybrid forms a uniform commercial fraction, minimizing losses during mechanized harvesting.