"The area dedicated to peppers is the same as in 2013 and we chose varieties that tend to produce more, although we also consider how early they are, so we can programme crops. Bearing in mind that productions on average are over 100ton/Ha, our warehouse handles around 15 tons of produce every day," report the managers of F.lli Valcalcer Srl.
"Prices so far are not in line with 2013, as they are 20% lower on average. Thankfully quality is good, so people buy the produce. The campaign is in progress and we are confident that, despite the increase in availability, the average in the next few months will be better."
Lapillo pepper.
According to the managers, domestic competition comes from Sicily, although their campaign has almost finished. Spain is the main competitor at a European level.
The company is a member of the Alma Seges PO, so most of their produce is destined there. The remaining part is shipped to processing platforms. "In both cases, the produce then reaches domestic retailers."
Difficulties in production
According to the company technician, the problems during the spring-summer cycle in the area are due to phytosanitary problems. "Of these, the most important one is pepper rot, which is caused by Phytophthora Capsici and is a problem especially since some fumigants were forbidden and which were useful during the whole productive cycle. Nowadays, we try to prevent it by using Metam K, although results are not always excellent. Another problem are virus diseases, though thankfully we are not much affected by thrips as we use Orius, so we manage to control the carrier."
"Finally, this year we have also noticed some nematode problems, but luckily it did not affect production so far. We must also mention fungi like Fusarium and Verticillium, which are increasing in our territories and could become a major problem."
"Some other difficulties are caused by the weather, which this year has been particularly fluctuating, especially in May and June."
News
"We have been carrying out some tests on grafted peppers. We planted a series of rows with a variety of grafts so we can evaluate the affinity between scions and rootstock and resistances, if any."
Contacts:
Società Agricola F.lli Valcalcer Srl
S.P. 135 - Loc. Spineta, 94
84091 Battipaglia (SA)
Tel./Fax: (+39) 0828 624653
Email: f.llivalcalcer@virgilio.it