The fastest germinating seeds in a chicory seed test performed by Applied Plant Research (Praktijkonderzoek Plant & Omgeving, PPO), part of Wageningen UR, saw the light of day on Friday 9 April, only eleven days after they had been sown. This is a remarkably quick germination time, especially considering the cold and wet conditions. The seed test included both ‘primed’ and ‘normal’ seeds: The treatment given to the primed seeds prior to being sown resulted in faster and better germination.
Although at first impression the primed seeds emerged quicker than the non-primed seeds, there was a difference in speed between the various treatment methods. Further research into the effects this may have on yield and weed suppression is currently underway.
Within the framework of the research, the fields at testing farm 't Kompas were sown with chicory on 29 March and 9 April. The tests include seed batches that were primed using various methods. On Friday 9 April, just eleven days after having been sown on 29 March, the first chicory plants emerged. The faster seeds shoot, the sooner the canopy closes, benefitting both weed suppression and the inulin yield.
The research also includes studying whether a faster ground cover can be achieved by sowing at a closer drill distance of 37.5 cm instead of 50 cm, and by cultivating the chicory in higher volumes, for instance 200,000 plants per hectare, instead of the usual 160,000.