THE 2016 National Horticultural and Innovation Expo held at Gatton in Queensland proved to be a very productive and successful event for the Australian vegetable seeds business of Bayer.
The salads team consisting of produce chain specialist Damien Odgers and sales specialists Samantha Strano, Shane Bario and Andrew Ertler showcased their latest variety additions to the salads portfolio.
Enhanced breeding focus on the northern region has resulted in several exciting new variety introductions in all categories of salads.
More than 40 individual new and existing commercial varieties of iceberg, cos, multileaf®, single leaf, baby leaf lettuce and spinach, were on display at the two-day event.
Newly launched varieties such as Olgada* (NUN 06118) full romaine, Thimble* and Rugbee (NUN 06535) mini romaine, Thatcher* (NUN 06768) little gem, and multileaf® types Multigreen 101* and Multired 98*, were just some of the products demonstrated.
There was also a strong assortment of baby leaf types present, with lettuce varieties such as Redflash and Greenflash*, and spinach lines Antalia*, Volans* and Hydrus*.
As a major iceberg growing region in Australia, Bayer was also pleased to showcase new iceberg lines suitable for south east Queensland production.
Alongside the current winter options of Winterfell and Densilva, Bayer also promoted new autumn harvest varieties of NUN 01163 and NUN 01172, and NUN 01166 for mid-late winter harvest.
Whilst other Australian vegetable industry expos have been held in recent years throughout southern Australia, it has been 18 years since an expo of this magnitude has been conducted in the northern growing region of Queensland.
During the event, Bayer received an immense amount of positive customer feedback, with many particularly noting Bayer’s improved strength in the salads segment and increased breeding activity to accommodate local market needs.
Speaking on behalf of the team attending, Damien Odgers said the company was pleased with the grower attendance and interest, given the hard work dedicated to preparing for the event.
“We were extremely happy to see so many of the local and interstate customers attend the expo and express strong interest in our newer varieties," Mr Odgers said.
"Bayer is looking forward immensely to participating in the next expo and we hope the industry continues to support this important event."
* Under application for Plant Breeder’s Rights in Australia.
- Copy supplied by Bayer.