"Especially the fruit size of the DR0719PB is a big plus to us", said IPR’sOperation Manager Josh Mastronardi. "During the entire season, the variety is capable to produce fruits with an average weight of at least 200 grams. Even during the harsh summers that we have, it is able to set a good sized fruit for the fall harvest, with a good consistent quality and thick walls."De Ruiter Seeds has been able to create a large market share with orange peppers in Southern Ontario; From the 2,5 million seeds that are sown annually, 2 million seeds are either the DRO719PB or the DRO713PB, the other half million seeds are delivered by other breeders.
The DRO713PB is an orange pepper that is more versatile in terms of shape, making it ideal for specialty packaging markets. "The crop is easier to grow for some growers, because when they loose a fruit, it doesn't have a large impact on the plant, while when you loose a fruit with the DRO719PB, it has a large impact on the plant", said De Ruiter's Rafael Lacaz Ruiz.
Josh and Rick Mastronardi of IPR Farms together with Rafael Lacaz Ruiz of De Ruiter Seeds.
This year, IPR Farms solely grows the DRO719PB on their orange pepper acreage. "Especially the large fruit size during the entire season is driving their choice, as 75 to 80% of the peppers are suitable for the XXL market. But at the same time, we notice an increasing demand for a smaller sized pepper as well. That is why we like to try both varieties next year, as our market demands some smaller orange peppers. We know that the DRO713PB can deliver a similar, if not higher production as the DRO719PB, despite the smaller fruit sizes. The walls of the fruits simply are thicker, so they might be smaller but the weight is still there."
For more information:
De Ruiter Seeds
Rafael Lacaz Ruiz
www.deruiterseeds.com
info@deruiterseeds.com