Duchy Brassica Trials Open Day and Conference: “An opportunity to view the performance of new and current cauliflower genetics in-field” – Hortidaily

Several brassica genetics were on display at the Duchy Autumn and Winter Cauliflower Trials Day and Conference, which was held in Cornwall earlier this year. Growers and seed representatives from the UK (including Northern Ireland and Scotland) and Brittany (France) attended the event.

During the evening conference, breeders, among others, presented varieties that, according to them, will provide consistent yields and quality across different conditions. Through providing these varieties, breeders aim to help growers address challenges such as climate change and heat tolerance (for summer brassicas).

In partnership with international seed houses and local growers, Duchy College has been evaluating commercially available Autumn and Winter Cauliflower cultivars over the past 31 years. This has resulted in the development of the trials, which are hosted at Trevarnon Farm (Gwithian, Cornwall). At this farm’s sandy clay loam, the farm rotation is based around brassicas, cereals, and cover crops.

Duchy College’s Crop Trials Co-ordinator Sophie Rapson says: “The high turnout proved how much these trials are valued by the industry and how important they are to them, despite taking place during a bitterly cold snap resulting with very few curds to see.”

She adds: “The long-term objective of these trials is important as some of the varieties displayed were relatively new introductions, and long-term averages over more than three seasons provide a better guide to performance.”

Peter Waldock (Hutchinson’s technical support for vegetables) said: “The event is important as it provides the brassica sector with an opportunity to view the performance of new and current cauliflower genetics in-field from all the major brassica seed houses. And because it assesses how they work in sequence to fit in with grower programs.”

Sophie says: “Since the demise of AHDB Horticulture, there has been uncertainty surrounding the future of the trials. Thanks to the support from the local horticultural industry, international seed companies, Duchy College, and Hutchinsons, the trials for the 2022-23 growing season went ahead.”

Hutchinsons Fresh Produce Manager, Dr Tim Lacey, said: “Having been an integral part of brassica growing in the South West, Hutchinsons is delighted to support this event. We were pleased to see so many growers, representatives from the seed trade, local industry, and researchers present.”