High temperatures in autumn set the pace for the start of the strawberry season in Huelva and delayed the planting phase until almost the end of November. Every year, the weather conditions are one of the most important factors faced by Huelva growers, so choosing the right variety that combines climate resilience, resistance, a good postharvest, and the best flavor is essential, and for four years Limgroup has been bringing all these properties together in its Limvalnera variety.
"The Limvalnera is a rustic plant with resistance to soil-borne diseases. It has the capacity to generate roots in adverse conditions, which means that, under extreme conditions, with proper management, it adapts optimally," said Isabel León and Sjoerd Gipmans.
"It is an early variety of premium quality, with an adequate caliber and good postharvest. With proper management, the early production of premium fruit is perfectly feasible. This makes it the export variety of choice for periods between November and February. Under optimum conditions, it can reach around one kilo per plant."
The unique characteristics of this variety developed by the Dutch breeding company have led to a rapid expansion of the area planted with Limvalnera in the province. "This year, the sales of our plants have doubled, and for the next season, we expect them to double again." Also, "the market is delighted with the good quality and quantity of fruit at the beginning of the season. The export market is demanding fruit of outstanding quality for northern Europe, and with the Limvalnera, that objective is being achieved since it is a variety with an excellent flavor and postharvest."
The strawberry production reaching European retailers at the moment comes mostly from the province of Huelva; however, the Limvalnera is intended for the entire Mediterranean arc, where, as in Spain, it is expanding quickly, giving the variety a wide marketing window. "In fact, with the productions from Morocco, Italy, Greece, and Spain, we are able to supply retail programs with the Limvalnera from October to June."
For more information:
Limgroup
Veld Oostenrijk 13
5961 NV Horst. Netherlands
Tel.: +31 77 397 99 00
info@limgroup.eu
www.limgroup.eu