Seminis Showcases Premier Carrot Varieties
March 18, 2013 
Seminis customers, breeders, sales and technology representatives recently gathered for a field day in the Imperial Valley of California to take a close look at several premier Seminis carrot varieties.
“The event was well-attended by customers as well as colleagues from North America, South America, Mexico, and Europe,” said Regional Product Manager John Bill.
On display were several premier varieties for the cut and peel and cello-type markets, including CR1640, a cut-and-peel hybrid carrot that provides growers with an increase in yield potential and quality over other commercial varieties. “This is due to its exceptional root length and uniformity,” explained Bill. “This combination of length and shape translates into better efficiency in a cut and peel processing facility.”
CR1640 is a great combination of flavor and texture and its strong tops help facilitate an efficient harvest. “CR1640 has shown adaptability throughout the cut and peel production areas of the Western U.S.,” added Bill.
Another cut and peel hybrid carrot variety adapted for the Western U.S. on display was CR1706. It has cylindrical roots with good uniformity and a combination of pleasing texture and great flavor. The tops are very strong, making harvest easier and more efficient. Bill said this is one of the premier Seminis carrot varieties because it has improved smoothness which helps increase efficiency in the processing plant.
“Everyone was impressed with CR2289, a jumbo/cello carrot that has demonstrated adaptability to production areas in the Western U.S., Northeastern U.S., and Canada,” explained Bill. “It has medium length and a mostly cylindrical shape that tapers slightly to a blunt tip. The roots maintain uniform length under varying populations.” He also said CR2289 has good potential for use as a cello or jumbo carrot, performing well in mineral soils as well as organic soils.
The newest hybrid carrot on display was SV2384DL, which is adapted for cello market growers in Eastern Canada and the Northeastern U.S. “SV2384DL has the appropriate length, diameter and shape for marketing in cello bags,” explained Bill. “It also has the good color, smoothness, and uniformity of size and shape that are needed for the cello segment.”
In addition to these commercialized products, field day attendees evaluated numerous new lines in the Seminis carrot pipeline. “The attendees were impressed by the products available and on the way, and by the investment and effort involved in bringing quality seed to our customers,” said Bill.
The growers who attended were also treated to tours of cut and peel carrots being harvested, a commercial wash-out facility and time in the root-beds with Seminis production personnel discussing carrot seed production.
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