Precocity, consistent fruit setting, and high fruit quality are key qualities of Kostantine F1, the new red California pepper from BASF | Nunhems, suitable for transplanting in Murcia. Growers who visited the field day held by the seed company at Pablo Galindo's farm in San Cayetano on Wednesday, 15th April, had the opportunity to see these attributes firsthand.
© Nunhems Spain, S.A.U.
"We transplanted in the first week of December," the grower, who noted that this is his third year growing Kostantine F1, stated. "I started with a trial. Last year, I grew even more plants, and this season I am growing the entire greenhouse," he stated.
Galindo emphasizes two key features of Kostantine F1. First, it has no vegetative rest, meaning it maintains a continuous fruit set. Second, it is precocious. "About 70-80% of its production occurs early, which can lead to better prices," he stated.
Antonio Miguel López, Sales Specialist for pepper at BASF in Almeria and Murcia, attributes this to the plant's robustness and its balance between production and vegetative growth.
This balance between robustness and continuous fruit set enables Kostantine F1 to deliver high yields of high-quality fruit while consistently maintaining uniform G-GG size and an appealing red color throughout the cycle. This results in a high proportion of first-class fruit and a notably high marketable yield.
© Nunhems Spain, S.A.U.
The importance of earliness
The shorter pepper cycles in Murcia demand early varieties that enter production quickly. Kostantine F1 responds perfectly to this need.
"It turns red quickly, and allows producers to concentrate production so they can achieve a high yield in a short space of time," Lopez added.
Additionally, it is resistant to powdery mildew, fitting within the OlimpΩ range of California pepper varieties from BASF | Nunhems.
Why choose Kostantine F1?
Pablo Galindo clearly states, "If you're seeking a variety resistant to powdery mildew that doesn't experience interruptions, it's worth it." Other Californias exhibit more vegetative plants due to resistance introgression, but Kostantine F1 maintains the ideal productive-vegetative balance. This balance enables it to produce fruit continuously without pauses and assures resistance to powdery mildew.
* APC has been granted and is currently undergoing the application process for inclusion in the EC Common Catalog of Vegetable Varieties.
For more information:
BASF | Nunhems
www.basf.com
www.nunhems.com
