Seed company Vilmorin-Mikado continues to strengthen its position in the California pepper market with the launch of three new varieties: the yellow Faraday and Arquímedes, and Nazgul in the red segment. These additions aim to provide growers with tailored solutions for the sector’s demands, combining disease resistance, high yields, and consistent fruit quality.
Innovation and continuous improvement
During an event held last December in Almerimar, Vilmorin-Mikado analyzed the global yellow pepper market—where it is a benchmark thanks to Eglantine—emphasizing the importance of genetic innovation and adapting to local needs. The company has invested heavily in R&D to strengthen its catalog, focusing on varieties that offer growers both security and profitability. The result is a new line resistant to powdery mildew, nematodes, spotted wilt, and L4, led by Faraday and Arquímedes—two highly adaptable varieties that maintain the company’s quality standards while adding strong resistance traits.
Faraday
Faraday is recommended for planting from late June to July 15. Designed for long cycles, it stands out for its vigor and adaptability to diverse growing conditions. The fruits are mainly G-GG caliber, very firm, four-lobed, highly uniform, and maintain consistent quality throughout the cycle. “It’s easy to manage, but we recommend maintaining shading and removing it gradually,” advises Joaquín González, Pepper Crop Specialist for Europe.
Arquímedes
The other new yellow variety, Arquímedes, is aimed at mid-season cycles (July 15–30) and is ideal for mid-season transplants. The plant is vigorous and strong. It produces G to mostly GG-sized fruits with an excellent lemon-yellow color, great firmness, and consistent sizing, all with four lobes. It also offers high quality at the end of the cycle and strong productivity.
Both varieties have been very well received by growers attending open field days. “We provide various size and timing options with excellent quality and high production,” notes Joaquín González.
Nazgul in red
In the red California pepper segment, Nazgul enters its first commercial year, as presented by Vilmorin-Mikado during field events in the Adra area. Nazgul is suitable for early-to-mid cycles (late June to July 15) and offers resistance to powdery mildew, spotted wilt, and L4.
It provides good plant coverage, sets fruit well under heat, and produces a high percentage of top-grade fruits with G-GG size and an attractive, vibrant red color.
Upcoming launches
Looking ahead, the company is developing a new variety to complete the earliest yellow California segment. In red California, new early-cycle varieties are also underway. “We place strong emphasis on achieving high resistance to powdery mildew and maintaining excellent fruit quality, shape, and size throughout the cycle—these are our hallmarks.”
