Global Plant Genetics (GPG) has launched a new hybrid green asparagus variety adapted to both warm and more temperate climates.
GPG said Pacific Green, which was bred by Dr Peter Falloon of Aspara Pacific in New Zealand, had yielded excellent results in commercial trials and would be launched globally in spring 2019.
“We have been closely observing test plots of Pacific Green across the world in the past three seasons. We are excited that the variety is performing at a similar level in the majority of these locations,” said GPG’s Jamie Petchell. “It combines high yields with industry-leading tip quality.”
As asparagus growers and marketers become increasingly concerned by high labour costs and a shortage of harvest workers, Petchell said it was essential that hybrids offered the highest marketable yields in order to minimise waste throughout the production chain.
“Pacific Green fully delivers in this aspect,” he said.
Falloon added that in addition to optimal yield and quality, varieties also required other essential attributes in order to thrive.
“We produce our asparagus seed in optimal conditions, isolated from commercial production locations,” he explained.
“Mother plants are established under protection and the resultant seed is free from the main viruses that affect asparagus seed. As a result, our varieties are less susceptible to common asparagus diseases, prolonging their actual field life, a key point for asparagus farmers across the globe.”
GPG said it had already received significant interest from growers who were testing the new variety.
