Since spring 2021, the strawberry variety 'Rendezvous' from the house of Hansabred can be found in cultivation. It is already successfully produced in the Rhineland as well as in southern Germany, but also in the entire federal region, as well as in Austria, Eastern Europe, and the Benelux countries in various cultivation systems, Dr. Klaus Olbricht informs us.
Earlier harvest time
"Due to low-chilling properties, 'Rendezvous' can be cultivated very early in the greenhouse. Thus, the first harvest this year was already on March 9 as tray plants in the substrate. The harvest window can be extended by sprouting inflorescences. Harvesting in the greenhouse and under tunnels is therefore conceivable until June, while the harvest window in the field will develop similarly to the Clery variety," says Dr. Olbricht.
"'Rendezvous' is in cultivation at the same time as Clery, with 15 to 20 percent higher yields compared to Clery. It reliably bears larger fruit and, accordingly, has a high percentage of A fruit. Furthermore, it is characterized by a firm fruit skin. It is a very glossy fruit and has excellent skin appearance without fruit malformation with a balanced flavor as well as the aroma." In addition, maximum yields in the tunnel of up to 1500 g per plant have been achieved, he said. The price in the early segment is at a high level.
Consistent yields over a longer period
According to 
Dr. Olbricht, tunnel production requires growing fewer plants per meter, with a spacing of about 30 cm apart. "Post-harvesting through replanted flower sprouts is worthwhile, especially in tunnels. As a low-chilling variety, it is also very suitable as a greenhouse crop in the early season. After all, consistent harvest volumes can be realized here over a long period of time, with no extreme harvest peaks to be expected as with other comparable varieties."
Furthermore, he said, it can enjoy successful dissemination with increasing multiplication numbers. "With the differentiation of plant qualities, such as in Frigo, Tray, etc., an expansion of cultivation structures can also be observed. Rendezvous is best suited to the trade, but due to its attractiveness, robustness, and good aroma, it is also a good variety for direct marketing."
Photos: Dr. Klaus Olbricht
For more information:
PD Dr. Klaus Olbricht
Hansabred GmbH & Co. KG
Radeburger Landstr. 12
01108 Dresden
Tel.: +49 174 3300761
Email: [email protected]
www.hansabred.org