Archive

SILIBOOST

OXYBIOTOP manufactures and distributes the SILIBOOST process based on activated silica.  With this concept compacted, asphyxiated, or even hydromorphic soils can be oxygenated in order to restore the biological ecosystem (mycological and bacterial) which guarantees all the balances both of the soil and of the plant. This technique, simple to use and relatively inexpensive (about 80 euros /ha) means it is possible to make most efficient use of organic and mineral fertilizers resulting in a better plant vitality, guaranteeing abundant production and quality and better resistance to biotic aggressors (moulds and insects) but also abiotic (rain, wind). A specific programme has been developed for asparagus, the applications (between 200 and 300 grams/ha added to the sprayer with 150 L of water / ha) start at the resumption of plant activity and during the production period.

GETADE ENVIRONMENT

Specialised in the creation and marketing of bio-stimulant solutions. GETADE Environnement is a company engaged in many projects, driven by real innovations as reflected in its slogan   “L’Agriculture renoue avec la Nature ®” («Agriculture reconnects with Nature)». Its goal is to combine immunology and physiology to best serve the plant. GETADE Environnement is present in several areas of activity such as viticulture, arboriculture, market gardening, large crops, green spaces, golf, etc.  For asparagus GETADE Environnement offers a range of products based on plant extracts, natural substances and trace elements including ALTO’STRESS®, ISOPLANT®, ISOMARAICHAGE, BCP M02 ALTO’DEGA® and SEMA’ZEN®. These bio-stimulant solutions work at different levels of plant physiology improving the quality of the crop.

Planasa

Planasa’s Darvador asparagus variety has met with great success. It has 100% male genetics and great precocity, which allows a gain of about 10 days on other early varieties, such as Placosesp and Darlise. Asparagus and garlic product manager, Manuel Garcés, said: “Asparagus cultivation is evolving and becoming ever more professional. That is why Darvador has been developed as a response to new market needs. Due to its easy handling, it can be grown in both white and green forms. And its closed tip makes it very attractive to the final consumer.” With this new proposal, Planasa is seeking to adapt to a dynamic market, which demands ever more homogeneous and higher-quality production, and very good presentation.

Coviro

Vittorio is the name of the new hybrid male asparagus variety developed and successfully marketed by Italian nursery Coviro. “Vittorio is characterised by the good cylindrical shape of its spear. Based on the technique used, it can be developed for green or white asparagus in medium-textured soils. This is a very productive variety and has a great uniformity in its calibre,” said marketing manager Marcello Sbrighi. Vittorio adapts very well to all kinds of soil found in northern Italy and is suitable for cultivation in both Continental and Mediterranean climates. This variety combines early production with extremely high yields.

Coviro is an Italian agricultural nursery company founded in 1978. It produces and sells certified plants for asparagus and berries, with annual sales of around 2.5 million asparagus and 20 million berry plants.

Cosmeco

Italian firm Cosmeco has developed a new bedformer designed especially for asparagus. This bedformer is adjustable both in width and height and its rotors are equipped with different types of knives to keep every kind of soil soft and stable, improve porosity and encourage the recirculation of air and water for a fast germination and optimal shoot growth. The machine is equipped with various accessories, such as external directional filling disks to either collect additional land or dig a furrow for the drainage between the beds.

 

 

Eco Green

Ecogreen develops environment-friendly technology and its latest innovation is the AV1, an electric harvesting machine for green asparagus. It has a front wheel drive and an electrical steering, as well as two electric motors and four batteries that can give 16 hours of life. The machines have large strong wheels that are perfectly adapted to muddy ground. Owner Leonardo Zanarini said, “We believe that these kinds of environment-friendly machines are part of the future of asparagus. That’s why we are also developing new photovoltaic prototypes with solar panels.”

Founded 15 years ago, Ecogreen is an Italian-based company that manufactures self-propelled electric machines designed to facilitate the manual harvesting process. The high-quality machines are manufactured with special care to meet the needs of modern farming.

 

Strauss

The Optisort G-Series from Strauss is the sector’s favourite asparagus sorting machine. With customised machine sizes, white and green asparagus can be processed by one machine. To prepare the asparagus for optical sorting, first it is cut to a certain length by a sophisticated and long-developed aligning and knife system. Afterwards, it is cleaned using an abundant quantity of water at almost zero pressure. Low water consumption is achieved through recycling. Then, using an optical quality recognition unit, the asparagus is singulated and placed in a cup, and from there, it is moved on to the appropriate collecting container, which is subdivided into different quality levels. The Optisort G-Series methodology allows every asparagus to be checked, with incorrect classifications avoided using 360-degree optical viewing in the sorting cup.

 

 

KERAGRO DUSTING LINES

Keragro manufactures a range of powder applications capable of preventing certain invasions and cryptogamic diseases.  DRYING, DESSICATION, PROTECTION and SCARRING OVER, these are the virtues of seaweed and trace elements that make up these formulas developed for asparagus growers. KeraSoufre has a proven track record for its repellent and fungistatic effect, KeraSilice for its moisture absorbing effect and strong scarring power.  For those who do not have dusting lines, Keragro manufactures specialities for spraying made from medicinal plants and algae, aimed at strengthening and stimulating crops to regulate Biotic and Abiotic stresses.

Walker Brothers

Producing in New Jersey for over 50 years, Walker Brothers has increased the number of international markets on which its asparagus is sold: “As the world’s largest producers of green asparagus, we distribute to the main markets, especially in South America and southern Europe. But we are now looking to strengthen our presence in other important markets, such as Africa, the Middle East and the Asian Pacific area by increasing our production. Exports to India and Bangladesh are already growing. Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan and South Korea are other interesting destinations,» said Wenjing Chen, the firm’s international representative. Walker Brothers produces exclusively green and violet asparagus, especially of the Grande F1 ™ variety, the most appreciated variety on the European and American markets for its taste and texture. It also supplies the Atlas F1™ and Walker Deluxe F1 green varieties as well as the Purple Passion F1.

Planasa

Planasa has just launched three varieties onto the market that will be available from 2022. Darkong, Darzan and Darius, the names of the three new selections, mark the start of the renewal of its variety catalogue planed by the company for the next five years.

The three selections are characterised by 100% male genetics, following the research line that began with Darvador, whose development is offering very good results to European growers.  As for its individual characteristics, Darzan is somewhat less precocious than the well-known Darlise, but offers great production and exceptional vigour. Darkong, on the other hand, is a good choice for growers who opt for high yields and large sizes for white asparagus production. And finally, Darius, although a late variety, provides uniform quality throughout the season.

These three new selections, together with Darvador, are Planasa’s commitment to gradually renewing its catalogue and offering growers varieties that will help them to be more competitive and position themselves as market leaders.