Labour friendly results with new orang blocky pepper from Westland Seeds

Dutch pepper breeder Westland Seeds is satisfied at the end of the local pepper season. Their blocky pepper WLS 4305 is currently doing very well in the trials and distinguishes itself in particular on quality. Time for some extra attention for this orange fruit. 

"The WLS 4305 is a generative open crop", explains by Iwan van Vliet. "We were also told by growers that the variety is very labor-friendly, and that is an important aspect in peppers. The fruit is somewhat long and slightly lumpy and with a weight of over 180 grams it is suitable for the flowpack."

The WLS 4305 also has strong resistance against tip rot and further distinguishes itself on quality. "From the Belgian trial centers, we were told that consumers appreciate the variety because the taste and fruit quality are very good: dark orange fruits with good firmness and shine and also after storage a solid fruit without wrinkles."

The variety was introduced in 2016 and will be extensively trialed in the coming season. In Belgium, researchers found that quality and production do not always match: the most productive varieties score less on quality and vice versa. "With the WLS 8302 and the 5345, we now have a wide assortment with all three having the right resistance. The WLS8302 is a little behind in production, while the WLS 5345 is faster with above 190-210 grams. And the WLS4305 is the flagship where it concerns quality."