Agristar invests in genetic improvement and presents an early, thornless eggplant variety

Eggplant cultivation is mainly carried out by small and medium-sized producers from family farming. Over the years, the culture became outdated, due to the lack of new cultivars reaching the market. In this context, Agristar do Brasil, a reference company in the development of seeds for horticulture, decided to invest in genetic improvement to bring a new variety, recently launched during Hortitec and Open Field Day, the company's field day.   

“The Innova eggplant, from the Topseed Premium line, is a hybrid material that brings fruit quality, an earlier plant - which can be harvested 25 to 30 days in advance compared to normal cycle varieties -, robust, which tolerates climates adverse effects and brings more productivity”, details the company’s Green Belt specialist, Roberto Araújo. 

He explains that the new, younger generation of producers works with the concept of rapid harvesting and Innova provides this. "That production that needed 8 to 10 months to reach its productivity ceiling, with Innova producer can reach it in less time. With less time in the field, risks such as: climatic factors, pests, diseases are eliminated, in addition to the cost being reduced and reflect at the time of sale”, explains Araújo. 

It has to be good for the producer, the buyer and the consumer 

The specialist visited the farm of farmer Ruan Carlos Simões in the Itaqui region, belonging to the municipality of Mogi Guaçu. “In this field, the producer began harvesting 55 days ago and today, 75, 80 days after transplanting, he is approaching his fifth harvest, while in the control material area, the first harvest began last week”, comments Roberto Araújo.  

Another important point raised by Araújo is the marketing of eggplant. “The producer has sent Innova separately from the other cultivars, to Ceasa in São Paulo, to check the difference in reception from the buyer. Innova has a darker fruit, completely thornless, firm, shiny and with a green calyx that gives the housewife the sensation of a fresh fruit. This is very relevant, because the product has to be good in the field and also when it is sold”, emphasizes the specialist. 

He also highlights that the cultivar is heavier than the others and this even impacts sales. “After the stallholder and the supermarket and grocery store buyer pick up their merchandise at Ceasa, they no longer talk about boxes, as sales are made in kilos. Each Innova box has an average of 3 kilos more than traditional material, which turns into a profit when sold.”   

Araújo also explains that in the Ruan producer's region, sowing begins in August and continues until March, April, and when the colder season begins, the producer still manages to go through the entire year harvesting and producing, because the eggplant Innova is positioned throughout Brazil, always respecting the planting window of each region.