"In the Fondi area (LT), Harmoniz is a relatively "young" company. We improved our breeding programs about two years ago, implementing systematic screening activities over multiple cycles and in different transplanting seasons for the spring and summer campaign," says Saro Tumino, General Manager of Harmoniz Italia, who adds: "From the beginning, the goal has been to introduce varieties suitable for this area. Growers select these varieties because of their profitability and safety in cultivation and, at the same time, because consumers who value the taste and quality of fresh products consistently buy them."
Saro Tumino in a mini plum greenhouse
"Over the time we have been here, on-field activities have been crucial to optimize our varietal research. We mainly focused on the most common cultivation conditions and methodologies in this area. On the one hand, we constantly talked with local growers and technicians, which allowed us to fully grasp their needs; on the other hand, we received valuable feedback on our experimental varieties," adds Tumino.
Carreras F1, row in greenhouse
The manager continues: "Through this process, we could further consolidate some well-known varieties in the market, namely the Carreras F1, as well as offer new varieties suitable for Central-Southern Italy. The constant presence in the territory and the synergy with growers are the cornerstone of our commercial strategy."
Carreras F1, cluster detail
"The evolution of our smooth round cluster variety Carreras is an emblematic example of that," explains Tumino. "Carreras has already occupied a leading position in its segment on the Sicilian market for a few years; naturally, even in the Fondi area, the variety has always been known and appreciated for the size of the fruits and their uniformity, an intense and bright color, productivity, consistency, and extraordinary post-harvest durability."
"From an agronomic point of view, like all varieties, it requires correct management and appropriate fertilization practices during cultivation. The presence of our technicians locally, during 2023, has allowed us to provide the necessary agronomic guidelines, which are useful to address critical issues. The high demand for seeds allows me to claim that Carreras F1 is, to date, a particularly appreciated smooth round variety also in this area."
Croconì F1, row in greenhouse
"Among our medium-long term objectives is to further strengthen R&D activities on-site and to increase our technical-commercial resources. For 2024, instead, we have planned several promotional activities and Open Days aimed at presenting our varieties most suitable for this area: certainly Carreras F1, but also two new entries in the midi and mini-plum segments, Croconì F1(TT-628) and Arucimeli F1 (TT-1053), which are added to the green oblong Socrate F1 and various colored specialties, continuing to welcome valuable feedback from producers and to dialogue with them," Tumino concludes.
For more information: 
Harmoniz
Giuseppe Busacca:
Tel.: +39 338 344 5650
Guglielmo Roccasalvo:
Tel.: +39 366 988 7564