Very good quality and great prices - in Verona autumn is an interesting season for strawberries, especially since consumers wish to buy them all year round. Primo Anselmi, director of Apo Scaligera, confirms that almost one hundred members are currently harvesting autumn produce.
"The weather meant not many volumes are available, but quality is good. All fields are protected by polytunnels."
Warm temperatures in September, followed by a sudden drop in October, caused plants to suffer, that is why quantities are lower than average. Generally Apo Scaligera collects 5,500 tons of strawberries a year, 10-15% of which are autumn crops.
"We supply domestic retailers and a few foreign chains. Currently prices are good so profits are not too bad for producers."
From a technical point of view, researcher Gianluca Baruzzi, from Crea Forlì, is currently working on a genetic improvement programme co-financed by Apo Scaligera.
"One of the main varieties for autumn is Eva, combined with more recent ones like Garda. Harvesting starts 35-40 days from planting and lasts for 20-25 days. Spring production is from the same plants."
Rustic plants are needed for autumn production, as they must be able to withstand the stress of a double production and be able to assimilate fertilisers.