"New Guardiola medlar stands out for its calibre and appearance"

The Guardiola variety has hit the market this month. It is currently in the protection stage under the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO), with file number 2015/0766, and it is being marketed by the Biogold group. Sales have started in Spain, although tests are being carried out in different countries where Biogold has offices.

The variety, discovered by Raúl Guardiola on one of his farms in Callosa d'en Sarriá, is harvested fifteen days earlier than the more typical Algerie.

According to Pedro Pérez, it is very easy to distinguish the Guardiola from other varieties. "The first thing that stands out is its size, much larger than that of other varieties, with a weight exceeding 90 grams, while other varieties usually weight around 50 grams. This is very good for the producer, given the high yields that this entails. Its large size is also an advantage for consumers, since there is more flesh than stone and no more than two pieces are needed to be satiated. The processing industry will also find it interesting, because having more flesh makes it more profitable."

Two of its noteworthy agronomic qualities are its greater pollinating power and cleaner pruning, compared to other medlar varieties; however, what stands out the most, according to the specialist, is the appearance of its skin, as well as its resistance to diseases that cause spots to appear on either the skin or the flesh.

"Due to the thickness of its skin, it suffers fewer blemishes caused by excess solar radiation or friction. It is also more resistant to purple spot, a physiopathy that can cause up to 50% of the production to be lost, depending on the year and variety," he says.

Apparently, this campaign is going quite well for the variety, and marketers are showing a serious interest in having the fruit next year. "At the moment, it is sold through four major marketers, especially in the area of Alicante and Murcia, but some shipments have been made to other parts of Spain. It could also be produced soon in other areas, such as Huelva and Granada," he says.

In the framework of its commitment to offering new varieties, Biogold feels very proud about being able to supply this one. "Its internal and external orange colour, without stains, and its size make it a fruit that, besides being delicious, is very attractive," says Pedro Pérez.