Maurizio Bacchi in a test field in Cesena.
Maurizio Bacchi, founder and owner of Cora Seeds, explains that "the Russian ban does not apply to the seed industry. They do not import vegetables from the EU but they do import seeds. Among the various products exported, there are onion seeds, which are quite popular. We shipped around 10 tons and, considering you usually need 4 kg per hectare, we can estimate a total area of around 2,500 hectares."
Onion test field.
"Elenka" is the most popular Cora Seeds variety in Russia. It is a hybrid with a characteristic bronze colour with 4 thick peel layers. This in turn means the bulb is very resistant, a quality which is particularly appreciated in Russia as it means onions can be stocked in 6-7 metre high piles in units. Elenka is also appreciated because it is rustic, has a rounded shape and the colour is very popular with consumers and therefore with retailers. It keeps well until May.
Onions in greenhouses destined to transplants.
Cora Seeds researches and selects new varieties in the lab (thanks to researcher Federica Brandi), in greenhouses and in test fields.
Onion test fields.
"You must always keep active, that is why we are now researching new lines that are fusariosis-resistant."
In the fields, Bacchi checked the status of an autumn variety, the red Divina Star. Upon harvesting, rings are clearly marked. It will be planted in late May.
Above and below: red autumn onions.
Bunching Onion
Other checks were carried out on bunching onions, which were planted to produce a seed required by an American client. "It is not easy to grow seed bunching onions, and in fact only few producers do it. It is hard to obtain a high level of germinability but, thanks to a special technique, we managed it and that is why the client confirmed the contract."
Above and blow: bunching onions.