Two new Cauliflower varieties retained in Brittany
Between the October to December period, 9 varieties were retained. Leocen (Syngenta's 4013) is the only new one this year. It is in a niche between the Damsell (Inra-Cerafel-Obs) and Cendis (Vikmorin) for a harvest the first fortnight of December.
Less resistant, this variety needs to be planted before the 20th July for a correct coverage. In this niche, Anique (Enza Zaden), is the best noted over the last three years. With quite a high head, very white and well covered it can be delayed until November. Cartone (Syngenta) confirmed that it is in the same league as Cariance, stronger and from the same selector.
21 varieties were retained from the winter January- May harvest. Carantic (Séminis) appears in this list for the end of February harvest. Even though this variety is moderately sensitive to Mycosphaerella, other varieties appear to be more tolerant. Faoh and Fréhel (OBS) stand out from the February harvest with healthy leafage and high tolerance to the disease, despite a sometimes average vigour. Concerning the March/April harvest, the Awen (OBS), Vedis (Vimorin) and Darwin (Syngenta) do not require fungicide treatment.
Late harvest with hybrids are being tested. Production period should be lengthened with harvest starting 1 or 2 weeks later than Maé (OBS), the current latest variety.