US: SEMINIS showcases watermelon portfolio at Florida Field Day
SV0241WA
One highlight of the 45-60 count category was SV0241WA watermelon hybrid. “While it may be smaller, the total number of pounds harvested truly makes up for it,” said Seminis sales representative Nathan Decker. “It has the potential to consistently set large numbers of fruit and the quality has been great.”
SV8298WA
In the 36-45 count range was SV8298WA watermelon hybrid. “This has been the most consistent variety we have seen and it has what I would call the whole package,” explained Decker. “It has a great plant that offers excellent fruit coverage, has the potential to set a very high number of 36-45 count fruit and has traits that help SV8298WA withstand many types of field-related stress. Hands down, this is one of the most farmer-friendly watermelons that both looks and cuts great.”
WM 8317
WM 8317 watermelon hybrid was of particular interest to growers who are looking for something unique that is early and has a high yield potential. “WM8317 has a unique green exterior rind with a bright red centre and has the potential to produce a high amount of 36-45 count fruit,” said Decker.
“One of the most interesting products to come out of our watermelon breeding program is our ultra firm flesh SV2812WA watermelon hybrid,” explained Decker. “With this variety we can help solve the retailers’ worst nightmare: shrinkage. This variety has shown the ability to hold its texture, flavour, and quality for an extended amount of time – either on the shelf or in a bin. It really is the best of both worlds for the fresh cut market.”
The ultimate goal of Seminis’ ultra firm flesh watermelon products is to find a balance between good palatability and firmness. Decker believes SV2812WA has successfully achieved that balance between firmness, good texture and sweet taste. “Retailers would like it because of the low purge and it is pleasing to consumers because of the sweet taste,” said Decker.
In addition to the product demonstration, field day attendees learned about the 5-7 year process of bringing those products to market. First, breeders cross varieties and select about 20 of them from the first stage of trials. Then, the Technology Development team plants the second round of trials in diverse commercial locations and then collects the data for the breeders. This process helps determine which varieties go to the next set of trials. At this next phase, Technology Development representatives take the 3 or 4 new varieties for larger-scale testing which involves comparing them with the field variety that the grower is using. If the yield and general characteristic of the new varieties are better than the grower’s variety, those are considered for commercial advancement.
For more information please visit www.seminis.com
