New Candian asparagus varieties have sold out in “record time” according to UK seed company Global Plant Genetics.
Seeds of the two cultivars, Guelph Eclipse and Guelph Equinox, were snapped up by growers after being developed by University of Guelph in Ontario, two years after first entering the market.
Jamie Petchell, of Global Plant Genetics, who represent the breeding programme in Europe, said: “Both scientific testing and commercial trial blocks have already and continue to demonstrate the abilities of these new hybrids.
“They offer numerous advantages over industry standard types. These benefits are the reason that all seed stocks of both varieties have already been taken up by nurseries and growers across a whole range of territories.”
“Both hybrids are early season producers with industry-leading spear quality traits. Guelph Eclipse a little thicker in terms of spear diameter and is also on test for white asparagus production.”
The Guelph Eclipse variety produces a higher yield and better quality spear according to Global Plant Genetic. The next opportunity for seed supply of Eclipse and Equinox will be in early spring 2019, the company says.
