SV 1204 PB by Seminis to get better averages without staking all on the winter crops
The pepper market is changing. The increase in surface area and volumes in recent years, caused by the good winter prices, has ended up disrupting these prices. For the past two campaigns, the average has dropped considerably and, according to the experts, this could be a rising trend. In order to obtain greater profitability, Seminis proposes farmers its California variety SV1204PB. “With a long cycle, a high production may be obtained at the end of the year”, Francisco Tomillero, Head of Pepper Development in Iberia, affirms. “Transplanting on the 25th of July maximises the possibilities because it sets well in the heat and has a high yield in the winter,” although it may be done up to the 10th of August. Regarding handling, if transplanting is decided for the 25th of July, the farm should be very well ventilated, and bleaching should start at the beginning of January.
“SV1204PB is one of the most profitable varieties in its segment and in years with low prices, such as this one, it is the best option.” There are many reasons for this: in addition to its good setting, it comes into production quickly, allowing harvesting from November and even up until March, as the fruit lasts very well on the plant. Additionally, for farmers who want greater winter production, it gives the possibility of harvesting green in October to unload the plant (the fruit is not silvered), and then from January to April, for red fruit.
For the producers, one of the variety’s characteristics they like best is its shape, with a higher percentage of extra quality than for other materials on the market. “Whether it sets in hot or cold weather, it does not lose its shape”. Regarding its firmness, it is one of the few that sets quickly and, in spite of this, it lasts a long time on the plant, allowing greater versatility. With G-GG, it needs no help to increase the size in the winter months and the hardiness of its plant encourages a very low susceptibility to botrytis.
Francisco Ortega, a farmer from Paraje Loma del Bosque
I like its total kilos best. It is a fast variety, the fruit starts to ripen early and it allows more kilos to be harvested. I can harvest as I go or I can wait until the price goes up. It is a top-quality pepper. I don’t harvest green, but if I had to do this, I would choose it.
Francisco Gabriel Vargas, a farmer from Paraje La Maleza
This plant has strong roots and is incredibly healthy. It is very unattractive for flies, trips or botrytis. It starts to produce very quickly, although it is a late variety.
José Antonio Vargas, a farmer from Paraje La Maleza
The fruit lasts a long time on the plant and, at the same time, is quick to ripen. It is very uniform, with a high percentage of extra quality fruit and it has a deep, shiny colour both in green and red.
