Koraal / Coral

Technological features of the 'Coral' hybrid

The 'Coral' radish from the breeders at Nunhems is a balanced tool for conveyor production. Its genetics are rooted in adaptability to light regimes, which is critical for spring and autumn growing cycles. Unlike open-pollinated varieties, this hybrid demonstrates high uniformity of root crops, minimizing the percentage of non-marketable yield during automated harvesting.

Morphological stability and development

The key engineering task solved by the creators (Paul Degreef and the Nunhems team) lies in the ratio between the leaf rosette area and the root volume. The upright leaf rosette provides high-quality ventilation, reducing the risk of bacterial and fungal diseases in high-humidity greenhouse conditions. The root crops feature a dense tissue structure that retains turgor even during sudden temperature fluctuations.

• Temperature optimum: The hybrid maintains growth rates during a cool spring and does not bolt during short daylight hours.
• Internal structure: The flesh remains snow-white without hollows, achieved through a slowed-down fiber lignification process.
• Harvesting technology: The optimal root diameter allows for mechanized harvesting methods with minimal mechanical damage to the skin.

The Dutch breeding approach from Nunhems here focuses on harvest predictability. 'Coral' is the choice for those operating under retail standards, where consistent product appearance and yield per square meter are paramount.