HM Clause launches the Galia Mistral F1 and Terral F1 and has its first watermelon, Casilda in pre-commercial phase.
HM Clause has broad experience in the development of melon varieties. It is constantly renewing its range, as is proved by the launching of two Galia in their first commercial year: Mistral F1 and Terral F1, both for Almeria and with perfect sizes for marketing. The first is for early plantations at the end of December to the 5th of February. The fruits are homogeneous, with good netting and their flavour stands out (1-1.5 Brix degrees more than its other varieties) as well as the bouquet that it leaves in the mouth. Beatriz Palmero Luque, a Galia Melon Development technician, states that amongst Mistral F1’s agronomical characteristics is its early harvest (it is between 5 and 7 days early) and its high production. On the other hand, Terral F1 (plantations from the 10th-15th of February until the end of March) is an “improved Brisa” with high production, very good setting and good netting. Its size is very homogeneous and its flavour is better than previous varieties, adding another Brix degree. It also behaves very well against powdery mildew (appropriate for ecological crops).
Palmero underscores that both “reach their colour before internal ripeness. Therefore, we show producers how to detect this exact point for cutting the fruit at its perfect moment”. The range is completed for Almeria by Norte F1 and Brisa F1, with high production and ease of handling by farmers.
In Piel de Sapo for Almeria (and early cycle for Murcia with micro-tunnels) is Valverde F1, which continues to be a reference point on the market for brands after 8 year due to its quality, uniformity, flavour and texture. “It is purchased on the farms and it revolutionised the market when the sector began to see a downward trend.” For late crops, they have Valderrama F1 (plantations in the middle of March). This produce has a slightly smaller size than Valverde F1 and reaches the sugar level with ease, as well as having good netting in difficult growing conditions (harvests at the end of June). All these varieties are resistant to fusarium wilt, MNSV and powdery mildew.
For Murcia, in Piel de sapo there are Valdivieso F1 and Valderas F1. These are joined by Valiente F1, on the Valverde F1 line for brands, characterised by good flavour and texture, aroma and being easy to handle. In Galia, the new development this year is Bachata F1, with size and production for early crops, attractive fruits and dense netting, joining Lambada F1 and Salsa F1.
In La Mancha, where they already have direct commercial presence with Miriam Sánchez, they have been growing Valdivieso F1 for two years now, a very good-sized melon, suitable for early crops (plantations from the 15th of April to the first week in May) and for late crops (September), with a rustic, vigorous plant, and Valeoso F1, a brand-sized variety of 2.5 kg for the medium segment in May. They both are resistant to MNSV, fusarium wilt and powdery mildew, as well as to aphids.
Finally, and opening up a new business avenue, they have their first watermelon variety, still in the pre-commercial phase: Casilda (CLX 3062 F1), black seedless, large-sized (6-8 kg), with good flavour and deep colour.
