Gautier Semences offers a complete range of melon varieties, particularly adapted to the three main production basins in the southwest, center-west and southeast of France. All of these varieties meet resistance and productivity criteria. “We wanted all our varieties to be resistant to the main pests and diseases, so that farmers can produce serenely throughout the season. And because profitability is at the heart of the producers' concerns, our melons also have high productivity potential,” explains David Madiot, product range manager at Gautier Semences.
Ocito, the latest variety created for early planting under tunnels
Recently launched on the market, the Ocito has been created for early planting under tunnels. “It is a variety that can produce nice fruit of size 12, with good behavior and aphid resistance in early conditions (unstable weather in April or May). It is a variety with a very high early yield, which reduces the number of harvests and enables us to get good volumes on the market right from the beginning of the season.”
Ocito et Jubilo, two varieties with significant commercial yields
Contrary to the Ocito, the Jubilo was created for late-season planting and open fields. “The two varieties both had significant commercial yields in 2022. We also have the Faraon variety, intended for production under tarps, with intermediate resistance to fusariosis, and finally the Jenga, for in-season planting in open fields. We also offer a range of ‘unusual’ melons for those who seek originality.”
Jenga, a taste reference in Charentais, especially suited to drought conditions
Gautier Semences pays particular attention to the taste and visual qualities of the fruit, in order to guarantee attractive products on the shelves. “Our own tasting panel follows the development process of the variety, ensuring the success of our melons with consumers, like the Jenga, our taste reference in the Charentais region. Our selection also includes new, highly aromatic varieties with original and surprising looks, with 3 numbers on trial this season: GSD2056*, GSD2055* and GSD1813*.”
Although melons love the heat, both for production and for marketing and consumption, the drought has had an impact on production, especially in areas where water is scarce or there are restrictions on its use. “Excessive heat tends to weaken the plants rapidly and reduces the field life of melons, resulting in poorer fruit conservation on the plants. Our Jenga variety, which celebrates its 10th year on the market, is a good example of a variety that is suited to these conditions. Produced mainly in the southeast of France for the open field season (harvesting from July onwards), the Jenga has a powerful root system that enables it to perform very well in hot conditions (as demonstrated by the very good results in 2022). Its vigorous plant withstands fruit set very well and offers great field performance for melons in hot summer conditions.”
Gautier Semences is very active on the organic market
For the organic crops, six of the melon varieties offered by Gautier Semences are produced from organic seeds certified by Ecocert. “We wanted to have the widest possible range to cover all niches.”
Multiple avenues of development
Gautier Semences also offers an extensive range of varieties, but the company plans to grow even further. “There are many areas of development for our melon range: providing crop safety through resistance to soil problems or various pathogens (new races of powdery mildew, moisture diseases...), as well as field performance and shelf life. And, of course, taste, so that we can offer the market ever tastier and more flavorful varieties, to ensure that melons remain a pleasure for French consumers when the weather is nice.”
For more information:
David Madiot
Gautier Semences
Phone: 06 59 49 64 82
david.madiot@gautiersemences.com