The genetics used by Top Seeds, with heavy, large peppers, continues to give impressive results. This year, the pièce de résistance will be a new variety of red California for early and medium sowing. Simultaneously, they continue promoting another two winning options from their ‘R€npimiento’ range that are in their first commercial year: Varane, for early sowing (June), within the Arnon segment; and for medium cycle, coinciding with Galiano, there is Arkane (July). Both have resistance to powdery mildew, L4 and spotted, and they form part of a new generation. But they are not being presented as replacements, but rather as alternatives. “There are loyal farmers, who unconditionally will continue with the previous varieties, Arnon and Galiano, whilst other producers are demanding resistances according to the region, soil…,” explains Melchor Guzmán, a trade specialist from Top Seeds Ibérica.
The latest developments from Top Seeds have a similar quality compared to the previous varieties: very strong roots, with great hardiness and fruit with calibre G and 70% GG, in line with the demands made by the chain. “The market is asking for larger sizes in the first sets, and with these varieties, there is good calibre from the very beginning.”
Other agronomical advantages of Varane and Arkane are their good setting in hot weather with great quality from beginning to end of the crop, without any problems with blossom end rot.
The differences between the two are very subtle. Varane has medium internodes, with no production halts; it offers high quality and production from the beginning, with heavy, large fruit.
Arkane, on the other hand, has medium-long internodes. The fruit change colour quickly and, as in the case of Varane, they are heavy, high quality and with a long production period. “The plant reaches the end of the cycle without any problems, with important setting in the upper part.”
The ease of handling in both cases is also worth mentioning. “They are very plastic and they offer a very good yield for farmers. They are a safe bet.”
In this first commercial year, Varane has been accepted very well in Adra and Berja. “It has risen to the challenge. The seeds ran out quickly.” And with Arkane, the prospects are very good, a point that may be verified very soon. After several years in development, the company has have been able to confirm that “they were just what we were looking for.”
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