"We are in the process of distributing fresh plants of NSG strawberry varieties to growers in southern Italy. These are our most popular varieties. Transplanting started at the beginning of October and will continue until the end of the month. The rooted cuttings, on the other hand, were planted in September," explains Giuseppe Stigliano, a technician at Primi Frutti Srl, a company specialising in the sale of strawberry plants and small fruit, based in Policoro (Basilicata, Italy).
Weeding in nurseries located abroad
The planting of the fresh plant is a very delicate moment. "We carefully monitor the delivery phase, which takes place 48 to 60 hours after weeding in the nurseries of origin; we check the temperature of the refrigerated trucks and cold stores to avoid thermal stress. Once the plants are collected from our warehouses, the farmers immediately place them in specially prepared logs or in peat bags for above-ground plants, and water them constantly to stimulate the root development."
Selection of the seedlings in the nurseries
Fresh plants of the earliest varieties will be in production in the last days of this year, while those with rooted tops will already be in production in November.
In both Basilicata and Campania, demand for young plants is expected to increase. In the other regions, the situation is stable.
Temperature reduction after selection
Concerns about the upcoming strawberry season
Growers and supply chain operators are not worried about market demand. "Last season, demand sometimes exceeded supply. On the other hand, there are concerns about water shortages in many production areas and labour shortages, which have become endemic. Strawberries have now become a permanent seasonal product, with consumers demanding them all year round. It is important for growers to be in the market for 5-6 months of the year. That is why the range of Primi Frutti varieties, the result of NSG's research, gives growers the opportunity to produce from the autumn months through to late summer."
For more information:
Primi Frutti Srl
Via S. Maurizio, 46
75025 Policoro (MT)
Tel.: +39 342 803 6929
[email protected]