With a very early start to the season, 12 days earlier than the previous year, one might have expected that the quality of the apricots would not be up to the standards. And yet, the COT International varieties hybridized in St Gilles, Gard, have attracted a lot of people to the company's orchards, near Nîmes.
With one varietal visit per week, growers, technicians, and arborists have been on hand since the start of the season. "Our varieties have shown an excellent taste and high sugar levels from the beginning of the season, as demonstrated by the Smart COT cov variety, WonderCOT period, with its 13.5° Brix and maturity on May 18! Naturally self-fertile, like all the new COT selections and varieties since 2018, this one also has the molecular markers for resistance to Plum pox," reports Marie Laure Etève, COT International company director.
Smart COT
Fiesta COT: New early variety included in the AQI® program
A few days later, visitors were able to see another new early variety: the Fiesta COT cov, known as Magic COT. "A promising variety according to the PDO Peaches and Apricots of France in the IQA ® program (Apricot Quality Indicator), particularly for its agronomic qualities but especially for its taste and flavors that delighted those who were able to taste it!"
Fiesta COT
COCOT: A variety of multiple assets
This early maturity, coupled with high temperatures, put COT International's apricot varieties to the test. However, feedback from the French and foreign production was positive for the French breeder, especially regarding the firmness of the fruit. "The high quality of the selection work carried out by our team, on self-fertility, disease resistance, gustatory quality, and above all hardiness, has been confirmed by the COCOT cov variety, which is now starting to enter production in commercial orchards. This variety stands out from the rest since it is very tasty, self-fertile, resistant to Sharka (CTIFL protocol), with a solid skin resistant to wind and handling. Some growers have stated that the first choice rate is over 95% with important agronomic yields and very good sizes."
COCOT
Open Day and tasting organized
"Creating varieties takes a lot of work, but without producers to plant them or consumers to enjoy them, it is pointless! That's why we organized an Open Day on June 29, with more than 50 participants from 5 different countries, including Australians who made the trip.
Open Day
But to be closer to the consumers, the company also organized a tasting day at the Mas des Agriculteurs in Nîmes, to get their opinion, which is essential for them.
Tasting day
COT will celebrate its 30 years of existence this year
In a complex environmental and economic context for all, in Europe and elsewhere, the company nevertheless wants to remain positive and confident for the future: " We focus our research work by being as close as possible to our customers and partners, by listening to their needs, and by trying to have a long-term vision to select the varieties of tomorrow, today ", explains Marie Laure Etève. The Gard-based company intends to reaffirm its experience in the field with its 30 years of existence in 2022 and hopes to celebrate with those who have always followed it in late July. It will also celebrate this anniversary at the next Fruit Attraction in Madrid from October 5th to 7th.
Winnie COT: New late variety
Despite this early year, there are always new varieties and selections to see in the orchards of St. Gilles, starting with the new late variety Winnie COT cov and on July 27, a visit to showcase new late varieties. "At COT we never stop working, innovating, and diversifying, while keeping the gustative quality and the satisfaction of the whole sector as our main objective," concludes Pascal Bassols, Technical and Commercial Manager.
For more information:
Pascal Bassols and Marie Laure Etève
COT International
Mas de la Condamine, Chemin de l'abricot
30230 Bouillargues
Phone : +33-6-08-27-38-82
pascal@cot-international.eu
marielaure@cot-international.eu
www.cot-international.eu