A high-value herb, basil has aromatic leaves that can be used in cooking or freshly eaten. Production can be greatly diminished by infections of basil downy mildew (BDM).

Rock melon SOUTHERN SUMMER is bred to thrive in Australia’s summer heat.

Doux - literally translating to "Sweet" is s Kale variety that is faster growing and higher yielding than traditional curly kale. The flavour is also milder and sweeter. Plants have attractive, upright, rather dark green leaves. Very vigorous, as it matures the leaves become slightly more serrated than normal kale (Brassica napus). Very versatile, makes attractive salad crops in many different areas. IR: Hb

 

 You only have to look at the real estate the salad mix range holds on the super market shelves to realise that these are products ever increasing in popularity, ticking all the boxes. As consumers we want the full package: convenience, flavour and presentation, and for the growers, the products offer profitability, ease of harvest, and industry growth.



Let’s focus specifically on the fancy lettuce market for now. The products Lefroy Valley are working with are bred for disease resistance, leaf texture, shape, size, colour, flavour, uniformity and resistance to bolting. As seedsmen and women, we work in conjunction with growers to test all varieties on a pre-commercial basis to understand the suitability to market. Hundreds of varieties are available across the globe, but selecting varieties which are suitable for the Australian conditions is another aspect again. This requires vigorous...