Global Plant Genetics says its latest asparagus hybrids are helping growers to weather a difficult production season.
The recent heatwave that swept across the North of Europe put pressure on asparagus spear quality, the like of which has not been seen before in the month of May.
But GPG says Guelph Eclipse and Guelph Equinox, the two newest commercial hybrids bred at the University of Guelph in Canada and for which it holds the European seed distribution license, have stood up well to the challenging climatic conditions.
Record temperatures increased the rate of growth of the asparagus spears, leaving traditional varieties more susceptible to open heads, a symptom of class 2 product.
However, GPG said the new hybrids were able to resist against these conditions and still produce superb quality, fully marketable asparagus spears.
“The Guelph Eclipse and Guelph Equinox asparagus varieties form part of a new generation of hybrids that have improved spear qualities coupled with increased yields over previously standard types for green asparagus production in Northern Europe,” said GPG’s Jamie Petchell.
“We have been working on trials of both for a number of years and it is great to see truly excellent performance on a commercial scale these days.
“Both types are early to harvest and combine well with the previous release from the programme, Guelph Millennium, to form an extended harvest period of top quality product for growers, retailers and consumers alike.”
