Strawberry producers in Atibaia have started growing a new cultivar of the fruit; the Phoenix strawberry is a new type of fruit, that emerged after more than five years of work carried out by Embrapa. According to researchers, the Phoenix species is more resistant to pests, lasts longer after harvest and is sweeter; all thanks to the genetic development of the seedlings.
In Atibaia, the results were pleasing and now the city will be the reference in the production of this species. For the city's strawberry producers' association, having a national species to plant helps reduce plantation costs, because the seedlings currently planted are all imported.
The technical name of the Phoenix strawberry is BRS DC25. This strawberry stands out for its early fruit production, which allows a shorter interval between planting and the beginning of harvest, increasing the production window by up to seven months – from June to December – and extending the supply of quality fruit.
Source: abrafrutas.org
