Currently, the consumer demand for basil is at its peak. "The new basil varieties resistant to mildew, developed by the team of Rutgers University in New Jersey with Van Drunen Farms (VDF), have shown great resistance to mildew attacks," says Craig Thomas, commercial director of CN Seeds Limited.
Van Drunen Farms planted and harvested hundreds of hectares of basil with resistance to mildew (DMR), resulting in a huge increase in the yield of both organic and conventional basil. These varieties are being brought to the Spanish and European market by CN Seeds.
"These DMR varieties have undergone field trials to ensure their effectiveness and viability. Being able to have the right seeds, depending on the context and climate, is vital for producers. If they also have high yields and a long shelf life, you can eventually achieve a 15 to 20% higher commercial yield per hectare," said Craig Thomas.
"This year, we have opened a delegation in Spain and we have a permanent representative, Pablo ZapaterÃa, with extensive experience in the sector, mainly as head of production for fresh cut crops. Spain is a key and strategic market for Europe as a whole. CN Seeds has had a close relationship with the country for more than 20 years. Since our creation, we have been in permanent contact with Spanish clients. Opening a delegation is the way to serve all our Spanish clients and collaborators even better," explains Craig Thomas.
Rutgers Passion DMR basil
Baby leaf seeds, aromatic herbs, oriental vegetables, microgreens and flowers are some of the flagship products of CN Seeds. "At a time when the demand for these popular products is experiencing an incredible increase, it is vital to offer seeds that are resistant to diseases and pests," says Craig Thomas.
"The demand for aromatic herbs in the European market is growing non-stop, so new seeds are required. At CN Seeds, we focus on varietal innovation, surprising the consumer and adapting to the changing conditions of producers," he says.
In the case of the mildew resistant basil, the patented seeds of Rutgers basil became available only a few months ago. The new varieties Rutgers Devotion DMR, Rutgers Obsession DMR and Rutgers Passion DMR have been added to an already extensive catalog of basil varieties.
CN Seeds was founded in 1990. Despite being a family business without shareholders, it has experienced good growth in recent years. Its development of seeds adapted to current market demands allows it to export around 65% of its seeds to Europe and the rest of the world, and Spain is a market with a high demand.
CN Seeds will showcase its range of seeds at Fruit Attraction 2019: Hall 5, stand 5A03A.
More information:
Pablo ZapaterÃa
Head of Sales and Development
(Spain and France)
CN Seeds
T: +34 (0) 6629 26270
pablo.zapateria@cnseeds.es
cn-seeds.co.uk