In the Netherlands, famous for its tulip fields, our subsidiary Hobaho leads in tulip and hyacinth R&D. With over a century of expertise in flower bulb mediation and auctioning, Hobaho aims to transform traditional practices while prioritizing sustainability.

Introducing more robust varieties quicker

The advancement of tissue culture techniques for tulips and hyacinths is central to these endeavors. “Traditionally, tulip breeding has been a lengthy process,” states Theo Aanhane, General Director, Hobaho. It can take up to 25 years to introduce a new variety on a small scale. With the integration of tissue culture methods, we aim to halve this.”

Arjan van der Lans (left) and Theo Aanhane

Arjan van der Lans, Team Lead at our Testing Center at Hobaho, further explains: "Tissue culture offers potential for speeding up the breeding process and enhancing sustainability. We can rapidly multiply bulb numbers and introduce new and more robust varieties in a shorter timeframe."

LED lighting as the focus

A key aspect of this optimization is using LED lighting to promote growth and energy storage in bulbs. Hobaho is at the forefront of research into the optimal spectrum and intensity of LED lighting to shorten growth cycles and increase efficiency.

The potential impact

Theo Aanhane, General Director of Hobaho, explains: "Our goal is to exceed industry standards, ensuring our practices are efficient and environmentally conscious.”