Tozer Seeds has launched a new range of spinach cultivars which managing director Peter Dawson says are already proving to be attractive on the marketplace. "They have excellent mildew resistance, stand upright and have shiny, thick leaves," he says. "They came onto the market this year after extensive trialling and we are very excited about them, as are the growers."

Emilia and Lazio are two of the named varieties while PVO170 and PVO172 are as yet unnamed. "Collectively," says Dawson, "they offer a lot of flexibility because they are resistant to the seven races of mildew fungus which is a very big problem."

Tozer seeds is also carrying out trials on lettuce and baby leaf and is experimenting with different shapes and colours. "We are particularly interested in red and green Cos types," says Dawson. "Colour is very important, as is texture. How the product washes is vital because they have to be cleaned and dried and moved along the packing line and all this means they have to be robust."

Speciality crops for which Tozer Seeds is well known nationally and internationally include parsnips, celery, courgettes, pumpkin and squash.

Crop covers are another addition to Tozer's product portfolio. Agro-Cover(r) is a specially designed, long lasting alternative for non-woven fabrics such as fleece and plastic film. Supermat(r) is being used as an alternative to black plastic mulch and is available in either white or black.

Topics