Pepper cultivars are presented at Tecnoshow Comigo 2018

To meet the demand for agricultural diversification in municipalities around Rio Verde, in Goiás, the municipality where the next edition of the Tecnoshow Comigo fair takes place, from April 09th ​​to 13th, Embrapa Hortaliças selected viable horticultural crop options for the conditions of climate and soil of the region. Peppers play a prominent role, especially the two most recent cultivars launched: BRS Juruti and BRS Nandaia.

They are the first national cultivars of habanero pepper, a species originating from Mexico that, in addition to being very spicy, has a high content of vitamin C. Intended for processing, the BRS Juruti and BRS Nandaia peppers are open pollinated and have a high heat content. , a characteristic that makes these cultivars an option for making pepper sauces and pastes. “There are processing industries in the region and, therefore, we thought it would be interesting to present our materials adapted to the growing conditions of Central Brazil”, comments agronomist Ítalo Ludke, who supervises Embrapa Hortaliças’ participation in the event.

The main difference between the two cultivars is the color: BRS Juruti maintains the usual red of peppers and BRS Nandaia draws attention with its orange tone. The proposal is to present a competitive advantage, as there are currently consolidated market niches for pepper sauces with different shades. In the field, uniformity in planting and resistance to diseases ensure the interest of the productive and industrial sectors, while, on the other hand, the suitability for the fresh fruit market and the high vitamin C content are highlights for consumers .

For those who don't need to be spicy, Embrapa will present the BRS Moema cultivar, a biquinho-type pepper with aromatic, crunchy and tasty fruits. It has dual aptitude, with potential for the fresh fruit market and for processing in the form of preserves or jellies. In addition to serving consumers who do not like hot peppers, it can also be used as an ornamental pepper.

Ludke lists other vegetable species that can do well in the Rio Verde region and contribute to the diversification desired by local councils: carrots, eggplant and sweet potatoes. The BRS Planalto carrot cultivar, for example, is rustic and has excellent root quality. In the case of the Ciça eggplant hybrid, the advantage is the commercial standard and adaptation in all biomes in the country. The Brazlândia Roxa sweet potato stands out for its resistance against soil pests. “The expectation is that, based on knowledge of these cultivars, the event’s audience will feel encouraged to develop vegetable production in the region”, he concludes.