Vitalis Organic Seeds introduces efficient organic pumpkin variety

NETHERLANDS – Vitalis Organic Seeds, a global leader in organic seed breeding, has introduced a promising organic pumpkin variety, E30R.00207 F1, designed to meet the growing market demand for longer shelf life and improved harvesting efficiency.

This variety not only maintains its quality over extended periods but is also compatible with machine harvesting, reducing labor costs for growers.

In a sector where maintaining product quality for extended periods is increasingly essential, E30R.00207 F1 stands out due to its exceptional storability.

Growers can now extend their marketing periods, ensuring greater flexibility in responding to fluctuating demand. The pumpkin’s firm structure and internal quality help maintain freshness without compromising on taste or appearance.

Ongoing trials confirm that E30R.00207 F1 retains its quality far longer than other varieties. In addition to its long shelf life, initial assessments suggest that this variety can be harvested mechanically, providing an additional efficiency boost for farmers.

Another variety gaining attention is Flexi Kuri F1, which has been developed specifically for machine harvesting. This variety helps growers reduce labor costs while ensuring high production rates and uniform fruit sizes.

With an appealing dark red color that remains stable during storage, Flexi Kuri F1 supports efficient marketing strategies.

According to the breeder, “With these two organic varieties, growers benefit from reliable yields and strategic marketing opportunities.”

New non-browning bananas

Meanwhile, in the banana sector, UK-based biotech company Tropic is preparing to release a non-browning banana variety by March.

The company is also working on another significant development: a Cavendish banana resistant to Panama disease (TR4).

Bananas are one of the world’s most consumed fruits, with over 100 billion sold annually. However, they face significant challenges, including rapid browning and susceptibility to Panama disease.

These issues make transportation and storage difficult, as bananas must be shipped green and ripened upon arrival. Tropic’s non-browning banana could help address these challenges.

“We have edited the genes that control the browning of the fruit, slowing the browning without changing the flavor or texture of the banana,” a company representative stated.

The fresh-cut fruit industry, which has seen significant growth, is expected to benefit from this development.

“The fresh-cut produce industry has been expanding, and this non-browning banana completely opens up that sector to banana growers.”

With advancements in both pumpkin and banana cultivation, growers have more options to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and meet consumer demands for high-quality produce.

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