Page 23 - AWA Vol.41-No.5. 1

SeedS & PLANtStoCK

India's Tropical Cauliflower: Adapting for Growth

ndia’s cauliflower cultivation is unique demand from their customers for white
Ibecause production diversity pres- appearance,” said Rahul. Syngenta has a
ents significant challenges for growers. robust short-term pipeline of enhance-
From cool high-altitude fields to warm ments. Growers require earlier curd for-
plains, cauliflower is sown and harvested mation for a shorter season and disease
every day of the year. It is India’s main prevention, alongside compactness and
brassica crop, ahead of cabbage, radish higher yields.
and others, making the country a signifi- Working Toward a Disease Tolerance
cant producer. Solution
The agro-climatic challenges are highly Fungal disease is spreading from tropi-
complex. Growing conditions fall into cal areas to some sub-tropical and tem-
three types: tropical (40% of production), perate areas. Because of this, Syngenta
sub-tropical (30%) and temperate (30%). products. “Temperature & rain toler- has a dedicated team fast-tracking vari-
Those categories have micro-segments: ance is vital to prevent issues like rot- eties with increased tolerance to Alter-
for example, “tropical” ranges from hot ting (e.g. soft rot), ricing (granular ap- naria, and other important diseases and
and dry in the northwest and parts of the pearance) and tip burning (decay),” pest challenges. Syngenta’s R&D and
south, to hot and humid in the east.
said Rahul Shivdhar, Syngenta Product seed breeders are working on solutions,
And that’s not all – in every segment Specialist Manager for South Asia.“Our expected in the medium-term for pests
and micro-segment, there are signifi- products can generally withstand fluctua- such as XCC (black rot), soft rot, and the
cant temperature fluctuations and other tions for reliable yields even in adverse diamondback moth.
weather changes during a plant’s grow- weather.”Good quality curds are also at Listening to Growers, Collaborating
ing cycle. Sowing in tropical regions, for the top of farmers’ & end consumer’s lists. Globally
example, can take place in temperatures True-White Hybrid Coming from Syn- Syngenta's close ties with Indian grow-
up to 40°C, but by the time curds form genta ers, combined with global collaboration,
months later, it can be slightly cold with Syngenta has used advanced breeding accelerate innovation and market entry.
heavy rainfall. Conversely, in temperate genetics to produce a true-white hybrid “We are very close to growers all across
areas, sowing can be done in 10°C, but coming on to the market in upcoming India,” said Rahul. “We understand their
by the time curds form it can be 30°C. To years. Traditionally, the whitest curds needs and our global organization allows
cope with the demands of nature, grow- grow in temperate areas and parts of us to react fast. Our R&D and seed breed-
ers need constant advancements in seed sub-tropical regions.The new true-white ing scientists collaborate with peers in
breeding and supporting expertise. hybrid will also suit tropical cultivation China, and we have an international net-
Adaptability Prevents Harvest Loss areas, the largest agro-climatic segment. work driving seed production. In a nut-
As a leading brassicas seed supplier, “This is going to be very exciting for shell, we are an innovation company, now
Syngenta delivers adaptable cauliflower growers across India seeking to fulfil and for the future.” Circle 28 on enquiry card

Sollum technologies partners

with optimal to advance Ai greenhouse control
ollum Technologies is pleased to an- anticipates the impact of light and balanc-
Snounce a strategic partnership with es it with climate and irrigation in real time.
Optimal, a leader in AI greenhouse con- Optimal’s AI seamlessly updates settings in
trol. This collaboration integrates Sollum’s the grower’s existing control computer. The
100% dynamic LED lighting with Optimal's result for growers is a fully automated sys-
AI climate and irrigation control platform, tem that precisely executes their growing
enabling growers to precisely execute strategy 24/7 across lighting, climate, and
their desired growing strategy under rap- irrigation .
idly changing weather conditions. “Our dynamic lighting solution was built
"Growers today use Optimal to create to adapt — and this partnership takes that
their desired climate conditions without adaptability to the next level,” said Fran-
spending hours adjusting settings," said Integrating with Sollum’s dynamic LEDs çois R.-Moisan, co-founder and CTO at
Dave Hunter, CEO and Founder of Optimal. gives our AI the flexibility to adjust that le- Sollum Technologies. “By connecting with
"With Optimal, growers spend less than 10 ver in real time. It’s a natural extension of Optimal’s decision-making engine, our
minutes per week on climate and irriga- our platform." platform becomes even more responsive
tion control, yet achieve higher yield, qual- to crop needs. Together, we’re providing
growers with a seamless and intelligent
ity, and energy efficiency. Lighting is one of By integrating with Sollum’s proprietary way to optimize production.”
the most powerful levers in a greenhouse. SUN as a Service® platform, Optimal’s AI Circle 29 on enquiry card

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