The drop in surface area for brassicas, which is more pronounced in broccoli (-30%) than in cauliflowers (-15), is affecting the seed companies in general. However, at Bayer they are indicating a positive balance. “We are satisfied with the evolution of our market share, which has been strengthened,” states José Guirado, Market Development Manager for Brassicas Ibérica.
The competitive advantage of the company’s broccoli portfolio lies in the genetics, with 100% of varieties with raised heads and grouped production for potential mechanical harvesting. “We have always said that mechanisation is the future, but it is already here. This year the machinery trials are steady and serious, with potential harvesting machines and our varieties are the most suitable for this.”
Added to the abovementioned advantages is the high specific weight of the heads and fewer leaves on the stalks, which make them more efficient and profitable for harvesting, preparing and marketing.
This year the latest commercial development is Andersia, which has been added to Shard and Titanium. It is a leading variety in Northern Europe that is now being introduced to the Iberian Peninsula, for early transplants at the end of July and August in cold regions (Extremadura and Valle del Ebro), standing out in yield and ease of florets for industry. Along with the raised head and very grouped harvesting (in one cut, they harvest 70% of the heads), it brings high yield/ha.
In November, the first fields of Andersia were harvested. “In these early transplants, where there are usually more problems with fungal diseases, it has shown very good behaviour.” Parallel to this, it is in trials in Albacete and high areas of Murcia for marketing as fresh and processed produce.
In cauliflowers, Bayer has reinforced the concept of the Curivex-type varieties, an improved line of whiter cauliflowers that maintain their colour for longer in the fields and on the supermarket shelves, adapted to relatively shorter cycles and grouped harvesting.
At present, they have two commercial varieties adapted to productions in Spain: Lucex and Marmorex and SVAC7306, which will be on sale from next year. SVAC7306 is for 100 day-cycles, suitable for fresh produce and for industry. For transplants from the end of July to the 15th of August in cold regions and from the 25th of August to the 15th of October in warmer climates. It has a large plant size, it is sturdy, with very good head coverage and a high percentage of development.
