2019 began with interesting news in the herb sector, with the introduction of a new basil variety named Prospera. This is a Downy mildew resistant hybrid which is born from a long Italian-Israeli collaboration. An important part of the research has been conducted in Italy, where Fenix tested the new experimental lines not only for the Downy mildew and Fusarium resistances but also for the manipulation tolerance, productivity and flavor which is a fundamental parameter in the Italian market.
"We arrive at this presentation after many seasons of trials carried out among our main customers", says Ivana Marchese, Fenix S.r.l. CEO, "whom have been very helpful especially in evaluating the Downy mildew resistance. We made trials both in different Italian areas and sowing time. It has been a very difficult and complex work if we consider the wide and different sowing Italian seasons and the different attack times of this disease that characterize our country. The tests carried out on a large scale in some important Italian farms have demonstrated the real capacity of this hybrid to respond to the pressures exerted by this fearsome pathogen.
"Prospera F1 thus becomes an important ally for basil growers in the light of increasingly stringent legislation about the active ingredients that can be used, the minimum residues allowed and especially in view of the worrying revision of the use of copper."
Prospera F1 is a trademark, and the intellectual property is protected by CPVO, where the hybrid is already registered. The hybrid of basil is resistant to Peronospora belbahrii, Fusarium oxysporum and tolerant to bolting. It has an erect plant with regular internodes, spoon leaves, sweet aroma, suitable to growth on soil, soilless and floating system. Prospera F1 has high yield, long shelf life and it is tolerant to shipping.
For more information:
Fenix
info@fenixseeds.com
www.fenixseeds.com