Australia
December 13, 2016

At Seminis we understand that wastage and inefficient labour are two factors that cost growers money when harvesting cauliflower. These two factors essentially boil down to one problem – being able to see the florets among a field of green and ease of cutting access to the cauliflower head. This isn’t helped by varieties already in the market that produce dull florets covered by the plant’s leaves. This growth habit inevitably leads to the waste of saleable product as it’s mistakenly left in the paddock hidden by unnecessary leaves. Seminis has come up with a solution with the introduction of the Curdivex cauliflower that has bright white florets and a fluted growing habit allowing growers to overcome these challenges.

In the field, the Curdivex’s grows in a uniform way that exposes the floret for harvest. The advantage of this is that it’s easy to see by the harvester. Varieties that are more uniform at harvest such as Curdivex varieties, also make for an efficient harvest as it only requires one or two passes – other varieties can require four or five. This benefits growers because it reduces their labour cost and ensures they have more product to sell.

Labour efficiency is also improved by taking advantage of the Curdivex flute form that makes cutting the leaves easier and more efficiently when packing the florets. The variety requires fewer cuts to remove the outer wrapping leaves than other varieties need to protect the curd from sun damage.  Curdivex was developed so it does not bruise or discolour easily. With less handling throughout the supply chain because of the fewer wrapping leaves and a robust curd structure from its breeding, these varieties can demonstrate a positive impact on the quality and consumer experience while offering enhanced grower returns.

Seminis invests research that considers the product right across the supply chain so that its products are not only sustainable for the grower to produce, but also meet the needs of buyers, distributors and consumers. Curdivex’s robustness across the supply chain and during handling keep it looking its best for display in the supermarket and for the consumer post purchase.

Curdivex’s bright white colour isn’t simply a beacon to the harvester, it is also appealing to the consumer who expect white cauliflower. Our thorough understanding of consumer trends allows Seminis to develop varieties that meet these demands while returning better returns to growers. This research gives the grower the confidence they are planting a variety that will appeal right across the supply chain and maximize the retail opportunity to consumers.

Growers who are looking for a versatile crop that can be sold domestically and internationally will also be pleased with Curdivex. The variety has been developed to last longer than other varieties, with a long shelf life it can be shipped interstate and internationally without losing much its quality and brilliant white colour.

In 2017, Seminis will make the Curdivex variety series available to Australian growers for commercial trials. It’s a variety that will give them a product that can be relied on to produce a cauliflower that will increase their harvest labour efficiency reduce and reduce their overall production costs.

Published: December 13, 2016