Sicilian event presents new tomato varieties

In the last few days, Southern Seed, Progene Seed, and Garmas held a joint open day to present new products for intensive greenhouse horticulture, both in Italy and abroad. In addition, the products already in the catalog were presented in detail.

Participants (and not only) at Southern Seed

The event consisted of a one-day summit of the sector's operators, with the aim of involving several operators in the supply chain in an attempt to strengthen one of the most important agricultural sectors. Among the new products presented were no less than two novelties for the cherry tomato segment, Tokyo F1 and Gustavo F1, developed for the Sicilian territory for the off-season cycle.

Moments in the greenhouse (Click here to view the photo gallery)

Tokyo F1 stands out from its competitors due to its high gloss and its compact, elegant cluster; it is excellent for use in fruit boxes, which enhances its aesthetic quality. It is a cherry tomato with a fruit of about 20 grams, a vigorous plant with medium internodes, and it adapts to low temperatures. High tolerance to cracking.

Tokyo F1. Resistances: HR: ToMV; Fol 1-2; TSWV; IR: TYLCV, Mi, Ma, Mj.

Tokyo

The variety that joins Tokyo F1 in the off-season is Gustavo F1, with a more rustic and vigorous plant, also with a high tolerance to cracking, and a fruit that weighs around 25 grams. Both the fruit and the rachis can be stored for long periods of time, which facilitates its commercialization abroad without compromising the quality and freshness of the product.

Gustavo F1. Resistances: HR: ToMV; Fol 1-2; IR: TYLCV, Mi, Ma, Mj.

Gustavo

Continuing the theme of small fruit tomatoes, other varieties were introduced, such as the new Romulus F1 datterino tomato, suitable for spring/summer cycles, with high tolerance to fruit drop and splitting, as well as very good fruit set at high temperatures.

Romulus F1. Resistance: HR: ToMV; Fol 1-2; TSWV; IR: TYLCV, Mi, Ma, Mj.

Romulus

In addition to other commercial varieties that have been on the market for several years, such as Datterì F1 (red datterino), Summer F1 (yellow datterino), and Samoa F1 (zebra midi-plum), new pre-commercial products were presented, such as 5295, a new red midi-plum suitable for off-season cycles; 7278, a new yellow datterino with high splitting tolerance for off-season cycles; and 7294, a new black midi-plum characterized by high yields and intense flavor.

In addition to the wide range of small fruits presented at the event, two new large tomatoes, the green oblong Pietrone F1 (formerly 331) and the off-season vine 438 (still in the pre-commercial stage), made their official debut, very well received by the attendees.

Pietrone F1. Resistances: HR: ToMV; Fol 1-2; IR: TYLCV, Mi, Ma, Mj.

Pietrone

On this occasion, the Agricultural Technical Institute "E. Fermi" of Vittoria was present with students from grades 11 and 12 to give the future generations of the sector the opportunity to learn more about important topics related to genetics and above-soil crops and to exchange important information with technicians from Southern Seed and Progene Seed, former graduates of the Institute. Together with faculty members, these graduates, now professionals in their own right, contributed to the students' career orientation, introducing them to a fascinating world of modern horticulture, from applied research to harvesting. Given the high social and educational value of the day, the Mayor of Vittoria, Francesco Aiello, was also present at the event.