YOUR INDUSTRY
SEEDS FEATURE
NEW INTRODUCTIONS There can be a lot of truth in old sayings. For a starter “big things often come in small packages”. Very true when talking and referring to seeds – particularly vegetable seeds. Small they may be, but they are capable of powerful multiplier effects rewarding any grower handsomely who choses their crop seed varieties wisely and can grow proficiently – with yield and income. But how can one be sure they have mastered the art and science of the easy transition to prosperity outlined above. Surely every company has rigorously tested their varieties and so any seed choice should be suitable? Experience coupled with knowledge is power, and with vegetable seed this is always the case. Most hands-on growers will have a comprehensive understanding as to how their present varieties perform, both good and poor attributes. Astute growers also know ‘one season does not a variety make’ and as seasons vary, so do varieties performance and handling of the various weather situations, pest and disease pressures, etc. which ultimately results in crop yield and saleability.
But what does a grower know about the new varieties being offered? Seed companies survive on selling genetics in the form of seeds and so rely heavily on their seed breeders to continually introduce improvements into the varieties they offer. Following on, marketable yield is the survival key for any grower, this being a combination of many facets within the variety such as plant vigour, disease and pest tolerances, plant shape, colour, texture, taste, health benefits, harvest and post- harvest handling ability and so on. An astute plant breeder has a great range of options for continuing incremental improvements within many plant parameters which technically creates a new variety and so hence the regular succession of new and improved varieties on offer. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”. As a grower you are encouraged to study the following pages highlighting the best new variety introductions from our seed suppliers. To effectively do this, the key is to use your own experience to discuss with the seed technical staff their new varieties being offered, focusing on any new variety features which attract you. If from this discussion the expected benefits appear promising, the next step is to arrange for a trial planting to prove it. This allows you in your unique situation to benchmark the new against your existing standard – so you can decide at the end, “if the proof was in the pudding”.
NZGROWER : JUNE 2021 23
