Vittorio asparagus GPG

Global Plant Genetics (GPG) has launched Vittorio, a new white asparagus hybrid that was bred in the north of Italy.

The company has reached an understanding with Blumen Group, the owners of the intellectual property rights, to market the variety in Northern and Central Europe.

“We are really excited to be working with Vittorio as our first white asparagus variety. We have been looking at trials closely in the recent past and see great potential for Vittorio to develop in a number of growing regions,” said GPG’s Jamie Petchell.

“It combines excellent all-round abilities for a white variety. It is early, has uniformly thick spears and gives very high yields.

“In an increasingly difficult market, it is crucial for asparagus growers to be using hybrids that deliver them the best combination of production and quality. Vittorio looks to be a real winner from what we have seen.”

GPG will be responsible for seed marketing and development in all the major white asparagus territories of North and Central Europe. First seed sales are going out in spring 2019.

Stefano Motton, sales and marketing director of the Olter section of the Blumen Group added, “We have seen spectacular yield and quality results from Vittorio and we are very pleased to now be working with Global Plant Genetics.

“They will be able to take the variety to a further range of growers that have not previously had access to it. Their track record and passion for the asparagus crop is well-renowned and we are excited to develop this new variety in the coming seasons.”