Vilmorin/Nickerson Zwaan
Hargreaves Plants is working collaboratively with Vilmorin (France) and Nickerson Zwaan (UK) to test and develop varieties and selections from three individual breeding programs, as below:
- University of Rutgers, USA
- Deutschespargelzucht, Germany
- Vilmorin, France
New varieties have already been developed and a small range of improved selections are now ripe for commercialisation.
University of Rutgers
Based on the east coast of the USA, this breeding program is renowned for its excellent spear quality. The current leading variety is NJ953; this all male hybrid is unique in its ability to perform in most asparagus growing climates, hot and cold. Hargreaves Plants can offer crowns for the next planting season.
Forty numbered seedlings have been tested and Hargreaves is pleased to announce that the leading hybrid is offering yield advantages of up to 50% over Gijnlim. The first commercial scale seed production has recently been initiated. Expect regular updates from Hargreaves Plants.
Deutschespargelzucht
Two leading varieties have emerged from this program, namely Mondeo and Ariane.
Mondeo
Mondeo has emerged from Hargreaves Plants' first asparagus trials as a true thoroughbred variety. It combines early season production with very high yields. Mondeo is now accepted as a widely grown asparagus variety and helps to start the harvest season before Gijnlim. It is in full scale UK crown production.
- All male hybrid
- Early season
- Very high yields - the best total yields of any named variety in our trials
- Performs as both green and white asparagus
Please click here for Mondeo Technical Brochure
Ariane
Ariane's superb head quality makes it a real candidate for high density planting, where the length of the harvest season can be extended long after the traditional industry norms. As a result the overall life of the plantation is reduced but yields in the early years are greatly increased.
- Early/mid season
- Superb spear quality, the best of any named early/mid variety in our trial
- Real potential for high density, short cycle, spear and fine green production
