On 29 June 2021, the Italian company Isi Sementi Isi held an open day in Buttapietra (Verona) at the Brunelli company. It was sunny and that added a nice touch to the day. Indeed, sunshine is essential for the ripening of the many varieties and selections of tomatoes under protected cultivation in the Verona region, which is one of the reference sites for the tomato sector. The farm is open all week, by reservation only (335 5697423 Marco Bastoni; 340 2545776 Marianna Pirazzini).
The Isi Sementi team during the open day on 29 June 2021
The transplanting took place on 30 March 2021, so that the 90-day open day could be held later, and technicians and farmers could compare 68 different varieties.
"In the experimental greenhouse, we have several new proposals and varieties that bring innovation to a sector that cannot remain static. This involves customers, technicians, and growers, with whom we are constantly working to find the best varieties in terms of resistance, productivity, and taste," said Marco Bastoni.
Marco Bastoni
One of the most sought-after traits in new varieties is resistance to TSWV second strain, and Isi offers several options in this regard. Over the past three years, this has caused numerous problems across the country.
A number of varieties Among the varieties, Dominus, a midi plum of 35-40 grams, aromatic, with a thick stem and fleshy sepals, is worth mentioning. It is resistant to two strains of TSWV.
Rosamunda confirms to be a strong variety among the oxheart varieties, with a pure taste, firm flesh, and pink color, while Rosalinda is a large, firm, pink-ribbed plum with full flesh.
Rosamunda
Isi Sementi also showed new varieties that will appear on the market next year.
"One tomato that is ideal for diced tomatoes is 62341. It has little or no juice, is firm, and can be cut very well and easily, so that makes it ideal for those who use it for sandwiches. The cherry tomatoes are the Edox F1, a red cherry tomato with a good flavor and intense aroma," said Bastoni.
Dominus
With regard to color, the aim is to find a taste that matches the chromatic variety in order to enhance the product at the point of sale. "Innovation is useless if it doesn't add value to the whole supply chain," concluded Bastoni.