Bayer’s new range of Nunhems® brand lettuces have been bred to offer growers versatile varieties that can cover the whole supply calendar by combining production cycles in different parts of Europe.
During field demonstrations at its experimental station in La Palma (Murcia), Alfonso Fernández, Bayer’s crop specialist said; “With these new varieties we are able to serve any distribution chain all year round with the same variety of Romaine lettuce by combining autumn and winter production in Spain with summer production in the United Kingdom or northern Europe.”
The new varieties can be grown in both conventional and high-density cultivations and can be used equally for fresh sales, commercial processing or lettuce hearts in single and twin presentations.
“We’re not just rounding off the annual calendar by growing the same variety
in different countries depending on the time of year, but enabling the same variety to be delivered to different market segments at the same time,” says Mr Fernández.
“For autumn and spring cultivation, Sideral is a versatile romaine variety characterized by its excellent yield and high resistance to Tip Burn and twisting. A medium-sized lettuce, it is particularly attractive to producers and consumers thanks to its excellent flavour and leaf texture,” says Mr Fernandez.
“Mayoral offers very attractive pieces with slightly puffy leaves and more flavour than other varieties that have a more rustic appearance and are harsher on the palate.
“In the mini-romaine lettuce category, Rugbee has conquered the market for its exceptionally reliable production from late December through to May. It is a very stable variety with all the usual resistance to Bremia Lactucae, which guarantees the right size per piece in full winter production.
“Thimble continues to stand out in early harvests for its flavour and shape. It is also resistant to Tip Burn. Both Rugbee and Thimble can be grown both in Spain and Northern Europe, thus rounding off the production calendar and guaranteeing a continuous supply of top quality produce all year round,” concludes Mr Fernandez.