Melons are a very complex and technical crop whose success depends on many criteria: yield, cycle, plant behavior, presentation, size, Brix degree, resistance to diseases, conservation. It is a major challenge to offer new varieties that can adapt to climate change, environmental issues and the increasingly demanding specifications. The company Gautier Semences has been meeting this challenge for the past 70 years. “We work in close collaboration with all the actors of the sector in order to be able to react quickly to the changes in production methods and consumer trends,” explains Clément Maisonneuve, product manager melon at Gautier Semences. “Above all, we want to offer varieties that are tasty and efficient agronomically.”
It is with this ambition that the variety GSE1930 Ocito was created, a novelty for 2022 that will complete the range of Charentais melons of Gautier Semences. “It is the result of several years of work in selection and development in the field. We tested the variety in all the production basins and all the possible conditions of cultivation in order to offer a melon that meets all of the requirements from the producers.” GSE1930 Ocito is now available in conventional and organic seeds. Gautier Semences has indeed been committed for a very long time to the development of organic farming and it has positioned itself as a reference player by offering a wide range of species and varieties available in organic seeds.
A variety that aims to ensure excellent yields as soon as it enters production
In order to complete its offer of Charentais melons, Gautier Semences created this new early variety adapted to early planting under tunnels and tarps. “During this period early in the season, the melon producers need varieties that enter production quickly to start their season well while offering high-quality fruit to the consumers. That is why we selected the GSE1930 Ocito variety which meets these expectations perfectly, with its very short cultivation cycle and grouped harvest. The variety guarantees an excellent yield as soon as it enters production, as well as a majority of caliber 12, the size that retailers request the most. We were able to test this new melon in 2021 and we received excellent feedback from the producers and technical advisors. The GSE1930 Ocito will be on the SudExpé-APREL recommendation sheet for southeastern France in 2022.”
Thanks to the complementarity of the Charentais melon selection at Gautier Semences, all the cultivation windows are covered.
Visual and organoleptic criteria that meet the requirements from large retailers
In addition to this productivity objective, Gautier Semences has made sure that consumers will find the visual and organoleptic criteria attributed to Charentais melons. “GSE1930 Ocito has this typical Charentais aroma with a Brix level higher than 12°. Its very attractive appearance also guarantees optimal quality: nice lines, a beautiful dense writing and a cream color when ripe which stays perfectly after the harvest. Generally speaking, our company has always been committed to offering melon varieties with remarkable taste qualities, like the Jenga, our emblematic variety that always appeals to the palate of consumers during the high season. This melon is perfectly adapted to cultivation under tarps and in the field.”
Gautier Semences also offers varieties with character inspired by traditional melons, with a typical appearance and aroma, like the Griset® and Costelet®. “These varieties surprise the consumers with their aromatic intensity and musky notes,” explains Clément Maisonneuve.
A melon resistant to a number of pathogens
In a context of increasing pressure from parasites, Gautier Semences offers varieties with heightened resistance. Our melon is a solution to various pathogens: its resistance to races of powdery mildew 1,2,5 and to the aphid Aphis gossypii allow producers to limit the inputs.”
“To go even further in crop protection, we developed the Fuzcontrol® range which offers solutions to Fusarium race 1-2. For example, we can cite Faraon and GSE1935, our new product to be tried now, for the crops under tarps. In addition to these varieties for late-season and field crops, we propose Jubilo, a variety with an increased health package for aphids and powdery mildew race 3-5.”
Gautier Semences committed to the development of organic farming
In order to learn more about the GSE1930 Ocito novelty, the entire melon range and the other references of Gautier Semences, the company will be present at SIVAL, from January 11-13th 2022 in Angers (Hall Ardesia, Alley D, Booth 88).
For more information:
Clément Maisonneuve, Product Manager
Gautier Semences
clement.maisonneuve@gautiersemences.com