On 18th November, Huelva played host to the annual Spanish strawberry conference. A delegation from Well-Pict European representing four countries attended the event; Martin Seymour (U.K), Garry Mercer (Portugal), Sofia Rosendo (Portugal), Edward Grieve (Spain), Julian Zettler (South Africa) and Maria Delgado (Spain). During the event leading plant breeders held an open debate in which new varieties and the merits of existing varieties were discussed.  

This was the first time that such an esteemed group of leading breeders and growers had assembled to have such talks. Those present included Steven Nelson (Plant Science, Inc), Kirk Larson (University of California), Miguel Hidalgo (Planasa) and Roy Ekland (Ekland Marketing Company of California). They debated the need for modern production in Spain and agreed the solution was a combination of varieties, concentrating on each one’s own merits with the ability to extend the season rather than extending one particular variety’s season and sacrificing its flavour and quality. Planasa (breeders of Sabrosa) praised Tim Miyasaka (Well-Pict, Inc) and Plant Science, Inc’s hard work in researching varieties that could be adapted for Huelva.

After their recent success with the variety Honor (BG 633), they now have another variety on trial; BG 959 is currently undergoing trials with El Pinar.  This variety produces earlier, is medium sized, conical and has a very good shelf life. With these qualities and its good taste it looks to be an ideal contender for the UK market. Plant Science and Viveros El Pinar will be giving us more information on this exciting variety in the next edition of Growing News.