Spain: New cucumber range from Seminis

Monsanto will expand the varietal range of Almeria and Dutch cucumbers and bell peppers marketed under its Seminis brand.

The SV5047CE, SV1399CE (pending registration, it will be called Teseo), and SV1643CE (also pending registration, its commercial name will be Flavius) varieties are part of a new range that will undoubtedly offer great advantages for producers, starting with the triple and high resistance to veins, yellowing and mildew; absence of breaks in the production process and no bottlenecks; considerable precocity and, especially, a noteworthy root strength. This last point is critical, because it allows the plant to grow healthy and strong, ensuring a good production and preventing potential problems, such as diseases.

The SV5047CE (in this case, this is the name already registered), is intended for transplants from 25 August and 25 September. It yields a large production (13.6% higher volume, compared to other competing varieties), it has a very uniform shape, size and colour and its size oscillates between 31 and 33 centimetres, one of the most demanded in the markets.

As for the SV1399CE, or Teseo, the grower Sergio Romera stresses its "high quality and the number of kilos produced. It is recommended for transplants from 15 September to 15 October; it always bears fruit, with no breaks, and this differentiates it from other varieties on the market. "Additionally, the plant is easy to handle and more receptive to light, which prevents the appearance of fungus. According to tests carried out by Monsanto, this cucumber's production is 8.4% higher compared to other competing varieties. Visually, its notably striated surface makes it stand out.

The new cucumber range is completed with the SV1643CE, or Flavius. This variety is recommended for transplants from 1 to 25 October (late). It is ideal for the area of ​​Almeria and the Tropical Coast, in the area lying from Motril to Roquetas and, just like the Teseo, it has the same range of resistances, the plant is easy to handle and is undemanding when it comes to the pruning. Regarding production, it yields 5.1% greater volumes than other control varieties.

During the conference organised by Monsanto, the company also presented its new bell pepper variety: SV3781PC, which will be called Tormes. It is a yellow pepper for early plantings (transplants from 10 June to 10 July), with a highly intense colour (an attractive lemon yellow tone) and which stands out for its strength and "unusual" endurance, as it can stay on the plant for up to 40 days; it also has really good post-harvest properties.

The marketing manager for the area of ​​El Ejido, Luis Twose, emphasises its good setting under high temperatures and short internodes, which facilitate the plant's growth once the fruit has been removed. "It's the commercial variety offering the highest quality in hot conditions and some producers are already shipping it to distant destinations, such as Canada, thanks to its long post-harvest shelf life."