“Nobody is looking for innovation in zucchini,” says Bill Johnson, squash breeder with Monsanto in Woodland, CA. “My job is to develop varieties that won’t surprise anyone.” Yield, quality and disease resistance are three of the most important elements. Nobody is going to pay a price premium for flavor as zucchini takes on the flavor of however it is being cooked,” added Johnson.
Color preference varies
Zucchini is produced almost anywhere in the world, but Monsanto's target markets are the US, Mexico, and Brazil. Around the globe, consumer preferences differ. “Generally, people want the varieties that they remember from their grandmother,” said Johnson. “Italian consumers prefer a darker variety while Brazilian consumers desire the lighter colored equivalent. The products that we sell in these two countries have zero overlap.” In North America, consumers in the East generally prefer the yellow type zucchini such as the yellow straightneck. In California on the other hand, the majority of consumers gravitate towards green zucchini. The state also grows grey zucchini that is preferred by consumers who are originally from Mexico.
Daily harvest is critical
Zucchini needs to be harvested on a daily basis. “From a labor perspective, that is a big commitment for a grower,” mentioned Johnson. “However, not harvesting for a few days will result in the plant putting all its energy in producing seeds and it will stop making fruit.”
Open plant for easier harvest
Open plants to reduce labor costs
The trait that Monsanto is working on for most of the US market is ease of harvest. “We have the highest yielding varieties and we have the varieties with the best disease resistance package,” said Johnson. “We are now focusing on varieties that are also saving the farmers in terms of labor cost.” Harvest and labor is the number one expense as all fruit needs to be hand-harvested. “In about a year, we will be launching a dark green hybrid that has exceptionally high yields and a very nice upright, open growth habit that will save on labor expenses.” At the same time, Monsanto is developing a variety with the same traits, but a much lighter color for its customers east of the Mississippi.
For more information:
Carly Scaduto
Monsanto Company
Tel: (+1) 314-694-3247