Many customers from Tropical Asian countries travelled to the Netherlands to connect with European breeders. Syngenta Flowers welcomed flower growers from India, Thailand, Viet Nam, China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. Growers and industry stakeholders took the effort to travel to Flower Trials in The Netherlands to develop or strengthen relationships and learn about new genetics, growing technologies, and sustainable solutions. 

Syngenta Flowers held their annual open days at their Young Plant Production location in De Lier. The theme, "Every Flower Counts," highlighted the commitment to strive for the highest possible quality in every seed that is developed and produced. Product Manager Prathamesh Ghorpade said, “The weeks before Flower Trials showed extreme harsh weather conditions for the moderate climate of the part of this country. Days before the Flower Trials the outdoor plants suffered from heavy rainfall and storms. For our Asian customers this was a very suitable test to see the plants coping with harsh weather conditions they might face in our tropical countries.”

Michael van Baekel (Syngenta Flowers APAC Head of Marketing) expressed, “It is good to see our flowers recovering so fast after the storm. This will give our customers confidence that our genetics are resilient and strong.”

Sustainable Solutions

The event’s theme emphasized Syngenta’s ongoing pursuit of sustainable solutions in products and production processes whenever possible. At the display was a trial with peat free and low-dose peat growing of young plants. Various recipes without peat were used and the results looked very promising. 

For the landscaping business, the use of XDR or eXtreme Disease Resistant varieties can lower usage of chemical crop protection, improving the environmental footprint. 

In the Heat and Rain tolerant segment, growers could find varieties that stand out in the annual and perennial portfolio in their adaptability to long-lasting heat or heavy rainfall.

Home Garden Bouquets

Specifically for consumer markets, Syngenta Flowers developed the Home Garden Bouquets concept. A range of flowers that can easily be grown in the garden, cut, and put in a vase. With this concept, consumers can benefit from the varieties both outdoors and indoors.

Flowers for Asia

Some of the species that were most discussed and appreciated by Asian customers were Pelargonium, Petunia, Dianthus, Begonia and Tagetes. In addition, the new innovations in Antirrhinum and Celosia were of great interest to growers, distributors, and retail partners. 

Discover Venti Parfait Crimson

Sweet Duet

Sweet Duet is a double-flowered and highly fragrant Antirrhinum majus. With remarkable vigor and long-lasting flowers, it is suitable as a product in landscape design, but can also fill large premium pots. Retail appeal is created by its double flowers and sweet fragrance. The plants feature an upright habit with strong, well-branched stems that can be used in late spring and early summer. The Sweet Duet series is available in Apple blossom, Citrus, Deep Orange, and Peach, as well as a colorful mix.

Discover Sweet Duet

Imara XDR & Cora XDR

Pratamesh Ghorpade said, “Disease-resistant genetics are a hot topic in the industry. Two major diseases, Downy Mildew (IDM) in Impatiens walleriana and aerial phytophthora in Vinca, have significantly influenced the market in the past years. Thanks to advanced research and development, Syngenta has brought to market Imara XDR (Impatiens walleriana) and Cora XDR (Vinca). Both have set a new standard in resistance to these plant diseases. XDR stands for eXtreme Disease Resistance. This is independently verified through field testing and the results are endorsed by established authorities in the field of plant diseases.”

Growers should keep in mind there is a difference between resistance and immunity. Immunity means that the plant is not subject to attack or infection by a specified pest. Resistant plants are still (lightly) affected by disease or pests but overcome it quickly and restrict further development of the disease/pest.

The fundamental understanding in the market is that there is no “silver-bullet” solution, but with the introduction of more resistant genetics like XDR, growers have another tool in their toolbox.

Watch a comparison video on Imara XDR

Bright Sparks

This is a new Celosia plumosa that stands out in a crowd with 10-12 cm long plumes. Its bright red color makes it very suitable for landscaping, especially because in warmer climate conditions the variety is less prone to color fading. A nice aspect to note about Bright Sparks is that the secondary flowering matches the initial flower habit. Bright Sparks comes in both green and bronze foliage.

Discover Bright Sparks

Cyclamen

New to the display this year was the Cyclamen portfolio. Syngenta has several Cyclamen series with a full color range along with several specialty varieties to create exceptional retail appeal. Cyclamen are an upcoming crop in some Asian countries so the product display created a lot of interest.

Discover our Cyclamen catalogue

About Flower Trials

During the FlowerTrials event at least 59 Pot and Bedding Plant Breeders proudly presented their new innovations, creative concepts, and an incredibly wide range of crop assortments. From technical information to retail inspiration, from breeding breakthroughs to the latest trends, everyone who works with and loves plants and flowers has a reason to visit the FlowerTrials: www.flowerstrials.com.