How TTW-System B.V. gathered useful insights on ALS strains in a short period of time
The chicory sector is facing a major change. Due to adjustments in the herbicide package, the so-called ALS varieties increasingly prominent in the picture. However, these varieties require a different approach - and that still makes many chicory growers reluctant. Field experience is limited, and uncertainty about yield and quality in the draw holds back the introduction of these varieties.
To close that knowledge gap, it put TTW-System B.V. in spring 2025 a large-scale force test on. The aim: to collect reliable, comparable data in a short time that will allow growers and tractors to manage better.
Assessing together, learning together
The trial focused on two late ALS strains: Djine (Hazera) and Lady Marie (Hoquet) - varieties that could become important as alternatives to common varieties due to their long forcing period.
In total, 17 parties tested, coming from several chicory tractors with which TTW works closely. The lots were not only assessed in the draw, but also monitored in the cultivation phase. Through data from root cultivation and migration linked together, a complete picture of race behaviour under a variety of conditions emerged.
During a joint assessment evening, the batches were discussed with the triggers, after which TTW objectively determined the yield and quality. This way of working together ensures that knowledge does not get stuck in the trial design, but lands directly in practice.
Useful insights for better steering
The results provided clear insights into the differences between the varieties.
In one variety, growth habit in the field was found to have a strong effect on disease susceptibility, while in another, plant density was the main determinant of quality in the draw.
Based on these findings, TTW-System B.V. has further refined cultivation recommendations. This allows growers and tractors to better respond to the specific characteristics of each variety - resulting in more certainty in yield and quality.
The full analysis of the forcing trial, including the underlying data and variety-specific advice, is available to participating chicory growers and partners of TTW-System B.V.
Steering for quality in migration
The forcing test also revealed valuable differences between varieties and pitch temperature regimes.
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Djine needed more temperature on average for a mature crop and appeared more sensitive to certain regimes hollow kernel and reddening.
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Lady Marie remained more stable, but at higher temperatures showed a slight tendency to brownedge.
These findings allow for a specific migration protocol drafting, reducing the likelihood of quality problems and increasing shelf life.
Knowledge that moves the sector forward
Thanks to this hands-on approach, chicory growers now have concrete tools for successfully introducing new ALS varieties.
What began as a knowledge gap study grew into a data-driven learning pathway in which cultivation, migration and practice reinforce each other.
