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HM Clause Spain 2012

Viewed from the slopes of the Sierra Nevada the plastic of greenhouse cultivation in Almería stretches into the distance. Established over the past 30 years to take advantage of the warm climate and water proffered by the mountains, the horticulture here is, literally, visible from space.
Viewed from the slopes of the Sierra Nevada the plastic of greenhouse cultivation in Almería stretches into the distance. Established over the past 30 years to take advantage of the warm climate and water proffered by the mountains, the horticulture here is, literally, visible from space.
Under the plastic a variety of crops are grown. Here can be seen galia melon cultivation. Most of the fruit will be exported to other EU destinations such as Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. Spain prefers Piel de Sapo.
Under the plastic a variety of crops are grown. Here can be seen galia melon cultivation. Most of the fruit will be exported to other EU destinations such as Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. Spain prefers Piel de Sapo.
This type of cultivation generates 5-6kg of fruit per square metre, harvested between April and June. Each plant gives up 6 or 7 fruits.
This type of cultivation generates 5-6kg of fruit per square metre, harvested between April and June. Each plant gives up 6 or 7 fruits.
Galia melons under cover. Almost ready for the picking, which is carried out in one swoop.
Galia melons under cover. Almost ready for the picking, which is carried out in one swoop.
The blue wrap is a thrips trap. There is very little chemical control in use in this cultivation, more biological control is preferred.
The blue wrap is a thrips trap. There is very little chemical control in use in this cultivation, more biological control is preferred.
Irrigation system for the melons.
Irrigation system for the melons.
This hole in the ground is the result of horticultural production. A part of the local growing media is sand. That from the surrounding area is of low quality, therefore that used for growing is taken from the coast. The beach is then restocked from quarries such as this one. Elsewhere in the vicinity soil extraction has created large lakes that are now wildlife sanctuaries.
This hole in the ground is the result of horticultural production. A part of the local growing media is sand. That from the surrounding area is of low quality, therefore that used for growing is taken from the coast. The beach is then restocked from quarries such as this one. Elsewhere in the vicinity soil extraction has created large lakes that are now wildlife sanctuaries.
Inside the packing house the melons are prepared for distribution.
Inside the packing house the melons are prepared for distribution.
Melons on the line.
Melons on the line.
A large quantity of watermelons ready for packing.
A large quantity of watermelons ready for packing.
Tomatoes ready for distribution to the UK.
Tomatoes ready for distribution to the UK.
Tomato sorting.
Tomato sorting.
Box assembly.
Box assembly.
Melons on their way to the shelves.
Melons on their way to the shelves.
Melons awaiting collection.
Melons awaiting collection.
Chillies waiting to be collected.
Chillies waiting to be collected.
The entrance to the packing and distribution centre.
The entrance to the packing and distribution centre.
The plant research and breeding team, including Maria Angeles Buil, melon breeder.
The plant research and breeding team, including Maria Angeles Buil, melon breeder.
Plant samples infected with pathogens.
Plant samples infected with pathogens.
At the entrance to each tunnel are a series of doorways - one must be closed before the next is opened - to ensure insects are kept at bay and a show disinfectant mat.
At the entrance to each tunnel are a series of doorways - one must be closed before the next is opened - to ensure insects are kept at bay and a show disinfectant mat.
The quest for downy mildew proof melons! This is the early stages of a breeding programme that hopes to see galia melons become mildew resistant.
The quest for downy mildew proof melons! This is the early stages of a breeding programme that hopes to see galia melons become mildew resistant.
Tomato breeding programme.
Tomato breeding programme.
Melons that have been numbered to show that they have been selected for exhibiting the desired genetic traits.
Melons that have been numbered to show that they have been selected for exhibiting the desired genetic traits.
Breeding ground for melons.
Breeding ground for melons.
The Spanish favourite - Piel de Sapo.
The Spanish favourite - Piel de Sapo.
Extraction of pepper seeds.
Extraction of pepper seeds.
A tomato about to have its seeds extracted.
A tomato about to have its seeds extracted.
Seed drying chamber.
Seed drying chamber.
Melon tasting. A range of melons were on offer with different flavours, aromas and colours.
Melon tasting. A range of melons were on offer with different flavours, aromas and colours.
Piel de Sapo melons.
Piel de Sapo melons.
View from the research centre to the Sierra Nevada range.
View from the research centre to the Sierra Nevada range.
The Limagrain/H M Clause presentation.
The Limagrain/H M Clause presentation.
An open field Charetais melon cultivation between Almería and Murcia.
An open field Charetais melon cultivation between Almería and Murcia.
The fruits themselves. These melons are grown for the French market. The cultivation in Spain means the availability of this variety is extended within France.
The fruits themselves. These melons are grown for the French market. The cultivation in Spain means the availability of this variety is extended within France.
The research centre near Murcia. Citrus is a popular crop in the area.
The research centre near Murcia. Citrus is a popular crop in the area.
Entrance to the research centre in Murcia.
Entrance to the research centre in Murcia.
Peppers at the station.
Peppers at the station.
Soil sterilisation. The plastic is placed on the ground for 45 days, during which the soil encounters steady high temperatures which ensure disinfection.
Soil sterilisation. The plastic is placed on the ground for 45 days, during which the soil encounters steady high temperatures which ensure disinfection.
Tomato breeding.
Tomato breeding.
A new extension to the research centre.
A new extension to the research centre.
Melon research.
Melon research.