Last Friday, Sakata Spain held an introduction conference for three of its cherry varieties attended by over 50 growers from the municipality of Bérchules, in the province of Granada. "Kandys, Santa Victoria and Sweet Star are ideal for summer cultivation in mountainous areas like this," explains Juan Francisco Román, Product Promoter of Solanaceae at Sakata Ibérica.
Over the last three years, the firm has carried out various tests with these tomatoes in the area, both in crops with anti-hail mesh and in the open ground, which have met all the expectations of the company and of the producers. They have consequently become a perfect alternative to produce cherry tomatoes with excellent results in a time when, at lower ground levels, it is difficult to grow the crop successfully due to the problems caused by high temperatures.
The varieties presented during the conference are part of Sakata's commercial range and they are now being promoted for properties located about a thousand metres above sea level, both in the open ground or under meshes.
Kandys has been on sale for a year. It is a pear cherry variety intended for winter cycles which can adapt to summer cycles at higher elevations. Due to the plant being vigorous, it doesn't need to be grafted, although its performance improves with material of less vigour. It is early, productive and yields an exceptional flavour.
Also a pear cherry, the Santa Victoria (which became commercially available a year and a half ago) stands out for its plant of medium vigour which, when grafted, can be suitable for long cycles. As for the fruit, its main added value is its ribbed shape; a feature which is increasingly demanded by the market.
The Sweet Star was launched commercially last year; it is a round cherry variety with a great flavour and high Brix and an excellent texture. The variety is part of the MajeStar premium segment. It is a plant of high vigour for winter cycles, with a fruit of intense colour and sizes ranges between 23 and 27 millimetres.
Source: revistamercados.com