An asparagus variety, which breeders claim has outstanding performance, sustainability, marketability and industry impact, topped entries in the inaugural “Seed of the Year” competition in Canada recently.
Guelph Millennium asparagus was recognised as Seed of the Year in the competition’s inaugural year, at a ceremony during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
Guelph Millennium asparagus has been on the market for eight years and has proven itself as a high-yielding hybrid, said Hargreaves Plants, which has exclusive distribution rights for Europe.
Developed by Professor David Wolyn at the University of Guelph, the variety has become a major contributor to the current competitiveness of the asparagus industry and accounts for 70 per cent of all seed sold in Ontario.
Hargreaves said the variety is known for its ability to sustain high yields over many years, a trait not typical of other varieties on the market.
Jamie Petchell, asparagus project manager, said he was very pleased with the result: “This has significant bearing on the performance of the variety in the UK and Europe; although the award is Canadian, all of the seed we use to produce crowns comes from the same high quality, Canadian stock. This award is a credit to the team at the University of Guelph, and we are very proud to be their European representatives.”
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