Bayer says the launch of its new strawberry variety Baya Solara directly addresses pressing production challenges for growers, combining high yield potential, disease resistance, and labour efficiency
Not only is Baya Solara (the first commercial strawberry variety from Bayer’s De Ruiter brand) a new variety, but it represents a cornerstone of the company’s strategic expansion into the strawberry market following Bayer’s acquisition of the strawberry assets from UK-based NIAB in 2023.
“Our new variety Baya Solara is an exciting June-bearing cultivar and delivers impressive productivity and strong resistance to diseases like Phytophthora cactorum without compromising fruit quality. With this launch, we are targeting Northern Europe’s rapidly growing protected cropping sector and offer growers new opportunities,” said Swanny Chouteau, portfolio lead for the Europe Middle East and Africa region at Bayer’s Crop Science division.
Baya Solara features large, uniform fruits and is designed to reduce post-harvest darkening, meeting consumer and retail demand for high-quality strawberries. The company adds that the fruit also offers a pleasant sweetness with a balanced sugar-acid ratio, making it an attractive option for consumers. In addition, the early-mid season June-bearer variety is designed to show significant improvement against common diseases, including Phytophthora cactorum, the fungal disease that causes crown rot.
“Baya Solara is a strawberry that offers many benefits. For growers, it means a more productive and reliable harvest. For retailers, it delivers consistent, large, firm fruits with excellent shelf life, reducing waste and ensuring dependable quality. For families, it offers delicious strawberries that stay fresh longer, helping them reduce waste and enjoy every berry,” added VK Kishore, head of global product innovation for Vegetables at Bayer’s Crop Science division.
Baya Solara will be available to growers in the UK, Germany and Benelux and is the first June-bearer to be commercially launched since the NIAB acquisition. It complements the existing portfolio of six other strawberry varieties, including everbearer Malling™ Ace, June-bearer Malling™ Centenary.
