The best of both worlds. That's what Young Flowers and Dalina Genetics wanted to create 19 years ago. Dalina is specialized in plant breeding of gentianas, dahlias, and osteospermum and Young Flowers in the production and sales of the rooted and unrooted cuttings. "Young Flowers has a strong sales team with experienced people. We are a small company and together we can offer the growers the newest and best products with a tailored service", says Hans Henrik Kampmann of Dalina Genetics.
Dalina Genetics and Young Flowers are continuously trying to improve their current assortment to meet the growers' and end-consumers' demands. Over the years, they bred many enhanced varieties that they will showcase at the FlowerTrials 2016, from June 14-17 in the Netherlands. Below, breeder Hans Hendrik Kampmann and Michael Ellegaard of Young Flowers share the developments and trends of each of their crops.
Gentiana - Stronger crop
One of the varieties in Dalina's assortment is the gentiana. According to Kampmann, the demand for the gentianas has been increasing rapidly over the last three years. "The gentiana is a crop that is highly demanded due to its blue color. However, historically speaking, it is a difficult crop to grow. It is a weak crop as it is very sensitive to root diseases. Therefore, it has never been a popular crop for growers to cultivate. However, the color is special and striking, and therefore many have tried to improve the crop, but failed. We also took a go at it and I think we succeeded. Currently, we have a gentiana that is less sensitive to diseases. Last year, our gentiana variety "Blue Heart" from the Rocky Diamond series, for example, won the FloraHolland innovation price "Glazen Tulp" in the category "Garden Plants" for the 2016 season.''
Dahlia - Intense colors and bi-colors
Another crop they breed is the dahlia. This plant is available in three pot sizes; the mini, midi and maxi. According to Kampmann, the Dahlia Maxi varieties are the most demanded. "We see a trend towards the strong colors, strong pink for example, and bicolored varieties. Next to the colors, we also focus on improving the growth habits and the compactness of the plant", he says.
Osteospermum - Vibrant colors and double flowers
"In the osteospermum we see a demand for new and vibrant colors. For many years, white and purple were the most demanded flowers. Additionally, there is also a demand for the double flowers", says Hans Henrik Kampmann. However, also for this crop more than color is needed. "As it is a popular crop to breed, we try to stand out by enhancing the growing habits and making it a more compact plant."
Production of cuttings
After breeding the varieties, Dalina Genetics and Young Flowers started the production of the unrooted and rooted cuttings. In Denmark and the Netherlands, they root the cuttings for the European market. And the unrooted cuttings of osteospermum and dahlias are being produced in Ethiopia, which are being supplied to growers in Europe, but also the North American market. "For three years now, we have been producing unrooted cuttings in a 3 ha sized greenhouse in Ethiopia. Recently, we started with the production of mini rooters. This can be a good alternative to unrooted cuttings when growers demand for a more flexible time schedule. After two years of testing, we are now ready to put them on the market”.
Advantage of small company
"Even with the cooperation with Dalina Genetics, we remain a relatively small company. And we see this as an advantage," says Ellegaard. "We just have a few crops we focus on, so we are very specialized. Besides that, we are very flexible and close to our customers, which enables us to make quick decisions and offer the growers customized solutions. We have both, big and small customers and we can make a production plan for both and support them during the cultivation process", he says.
FlowerTrials
Curious about their new varieties? In less than two weeks, from 14-17 June, the FlowerTrials will be held. At the FlowerTrials 2016, no less then 52 breeding companies will present their newest varieties in pot- and bedding plants, as well as the latest innovations and concepts at 30 locations, spread across three regions (Aalsmeer and surroundings and the Westland region in the Netherlands, and Rhineland-Westphalia in Germany). Also Dalina Genetics and Young Flowers will present their new varieties at Moerheim New Plant in Leimuiderbrug, the Netherlands.
For more information
Young Flowers A/S
Michael Ellegaard
Email: mce@youngflowers.dk
www.youngflowers.dk
Dalina Genetics® A/S
Hans Henrik Kampmann
Email: hanshenrik@dalina.dk
www.dalina.dk