E 81.2051, the first success galia from a promising breeding programme

Monday, 6 July 2009

After years of selection in its Spanish subsidiaries in Almeria and Murcia, Enza Zaden has successfully introduced a new galia variety in Spain this spring/summer: E 81.2051. The company has set the goal to develop a line of varieties that are easy to cultivate, but that have also a good shelf life without compromising on quality and taste. From this breeding programme, E 81.2051 is one of the first varieties that is currently commercially introduced in Spain.

Quality and versatility

“We have already gotten very positive feedback from the post harvest chain as this variety has a good shelf life (20-25 days) and a guaranteed high sugar level. It has also a durable attractive bright yellow colour with a uniform net covering the skin”, says Ralf Kuijpers, Enza Zaden’s Crop Breeding Manager Melon in Spain. Moreover, the green coloured flesh has a firm structure. “This makes it not only an excellent melon for fresh consumption, but it is therefore also suitable for processing.”

Growers choose this variety for its strong plant, high production potential and broad resistance pattern. “It performs very stable under different conditions which ensures a good yield and consistent high sugar levels (Brix levels)”, says Kuijpers.

Tasty galia melons year-round

At the moment, variety E 81.2051 is in production and will be available from Murcia in June and July. For the autumn and winter months Enza Zaden has made a promising commercial start with the variety Zest, a variety suitable for cultivation in Brazil and Central America. “Zest produces high quality melons that are very well adapted to the long shipping overseas“, explains Kuijpers. This variety is available from October until April. 

Other new varieties are in an advanced introduction stage to cover the whole melon production period and areas. After all, Enza Zaden strives to offer year-round quality galia melons with guaranteed taste.