Research on strawberries in southern Italy continues apace. Gianluca Baruzzi, a CREA-Ofa researcher, recently visited Basilicata to assess the strawberry seeds obtained as part of the breeding project conducted in collaboration with Piriccini Secondo. Renowned breeder Walther Faedi also took part.
Gianluca Baruzzi (centre) and Walther Faedi (left) with two technicians at the test crop in Scanzano Jonico (Matera)
"The objective is to identify genotypes that are suitable for the Metaponto area as well as for all those Mediterranean areas characterised by mild winters. We are assessing a group of selections with encouraging characteristics - PIR 94.6, which is very early, and PIR 65.21, which is crunchy with a good Brix level and interesting grades.
PIR 65.21, a promising selection
"Our objective is to develop crossbreeds and select new materials. Then producers and organisations decide which ones to test. POs choose whether to multiply and test 100 thousand or 200 thousand plants. A new variety must satisfy producers and traders, constitute an improvement compared with existing materials and satisfy consumer taste."
The selections mentioned above are early thanks to the fact they need few chill hours and few inputs. Often growers exaggerate with fertigation, which drives costs up and affects quality.
A few selections in a test field
"It's hard to find a line that can be multiplied in the production territory but it would be important. Too often, we depend on the weather conditions in Eastern Europe, as most fresh plants come from there. It would be great to multiply material just a few km away," concluded Walther Faedi.