A step ahead with the right genetics: Less to none PGR needed in growing our Primula Mitra and Mitra Late
Sustainability starts with the right genetics, which is why Syngenta Flowers puts a lot of emphasis on breeding tolerant varieties that can be grown with little to none Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) without compromising quality. Our Primula series Mitra and Mitra Late are two very good examples.
With the two mentioned series, more than 50% PGR could be saved in contrast to other series or colours. Both Mitra and Mitra Late offer all basic colours and they are very homogeneous and even in structure and have a long shelf life. Even with a tight cultivation in a 9 cm pot, there is little or no cleaning effort, as can be observed with other series. Both series even have the potential for a culture without any PGR at all and extensive tests are underway which will help every grower to continue to offer the best primrose qualities.
To confirm this beyond doubt, we have also commissioned a trial at the Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt in Bad Zwischenahn (DE). Even though the trial is not yet completely finished, we already have the confirmation that a culture without the use of PGR is possible with both series and this with a very high-quality level.
The early pot weeks (36 and 38) with the Mitra series in 9 cm and 10.5 cm pots with flowering start week 1 and 4 are completed and show an outstanding result completely without PGR. Mitra Late has been potted in week 38, 40 and 42 and here the first set is ready for sale in week 6, also best quality without the use of PGR.
The increasingly tense situation regarding the approval the use of PGR for primroses, has made the Mitra and Mitra Late series even a better alternative. We have always been aware that these series grow very uniformly and compactly, and that one can almost do without PGR.
