The first conference dedicated to Valerian cultivation, organized by Maraldi Sementi, was recently held at the Vacherie in Brusaporto (Bergamo, Italy), situated in the heart of the cornsalad growing region, along with other significant baby leaf crops. The event brought together producers, packers, and technicians from major Italian companies, as well as delegations from France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece, to discuss phytosanitary issues related to cornsalad .
Foreign delegation visiting
Italy boasts approximately 2,500 hectares of cornsalad cultivation, primarily concentrated in the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia, which are the most important regions for production. The province of Latina, known for its winter production, also plays a significant role, along with the Padua-Venice and Battipaglia areas.
Cornsalad test field at Az. Tino Bellina
Maraldi offers a comprehensive range of varieties that cover the entire annual planting calendar. Fabrizio Abbondanza showcased the main commercial varieties that have gained widespread acceptance among Italian producers in recent years.
Dali is a winter variety well-suited for cold periods. It exhibits rapid growth at low temperatures, ensuring high yields. Its rosette features beautiful, large, and elegant leaves. The variety has also generated interest in France due to its notable cold tolerance.
Miro is a medium-early cycle variety with very dark green, fleshy leaves adorned with pronounced veins. Its assurgent habit enhances quality and uniformity at harvest. This versatile variety, used for sowings between January and March and October and December, is Maraldi's flagship variety.
Excel
Excel stands out for its plasticity and adaptability throughout the year. It has slightly elongated, lobed leaves that facilitate harvesting. Genetically tolerant to dormancy, it can also be cultivated during the summer. Its fast growth during hot periods allows for an additional growing cycle.
Matisse is a medium-late cycle variety with deep green leaves and a rosette plant boasting a compact structure. The thickness of its leaves makes it particularly suitable for summer production.
MSX19011
Among the new varieties, MSX19011, a summer variety, was introduced. It is characterized by an upright habit, round fleshy leaves, and a thick, fleshy petiole, resulting in high yields. Notably, it can remain in the field for a few days after reaching commercial ripeness.
"This event," the company shares, "reaffirms Maraldi Sementi's strong commitment to the cornsalad and baby leaf industry. We continue to work closely with operators, aiming to provide innovative genetic solutions in this highly competitive and ever-evolving sector."
For further information:
Maraldi Sementi 
Via Ipazia 155
47521 Cesena (FC) Italy
+39 0547 303292
[email protected]
www.maraldisementi.it
