06 November 2017
Guelph Eclipse is a new asparagus hybrid, recently released from the world-leading asparagus breeding program at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. The decision to bring the variety forward was based on excellent results in both initial tests at the breeding station and also, high levels of performance in more commercial trial blocks.
The key indicators of the hybrid’s potential for industry adaptation were a combination of high yields and exceptional spear quality. The market for new asparagus varieties is becoming ever more crowded and it is essential for new introductions to deliver tangible results for growers, nurseries and produce businesses. Put simply, Guelph Eclipse produces in an industry leading fashion, both high levels of yield and spear quality, increasing profitability for those companies using it.
Guelph Eclipse has a high pedigree, emanating from the same stable that produced the industry standard green asparagus hybrid, Guelph Millennium. The new variety differs in subtle but important ways to its predecessor. The harvest season in both test and commercial blocks in Europe is earlier, meaning that it can be used in combination with Guelph Millennium to extend the supply period.
The spear diameter of Guelph Eclipse is thicker than the standard types but still falls within retailer specifications. The results of this is that harvest costs per kilo can be driven down, while maximising marketable yields. The increased thickness of the spears means that the cultivar also has significant potential for white asparagus production.
Precocity is a further key feature of this asparagus hybrid. This means that not only does it produce high yields, these production levels are reached early in the life of plantations. The bottom line for asparagus growers is that pay-back time by planting Guelph Eclipse is reduced in comparison to other varieties.
Guelph Eclipse has been tested in a range of countries, including the USA, Germany, UK, Spain and Portugal, as well as Canada. It is showing top-level performance in all these growing environments. Seed production is underway in Ontario, meaning that growers can now access commercial seed and plant volumes. Quantities are being ramped up to meet the demand over the coming years.
I have personally been observing the hybrid for a number of years now. What strikes me most in the fern growth period is the high level of vigour in the cultivar. It really stands out in the field when planted next to other hybrids. It is exciting to see the traditionally high levels of spear quality from the Guelph breeding program combined with this early season cropping trait.
For more information on Guelph Eclipse, the following two useful resources are available:
YouTube: http://bit.ly/youtubeguelpheclipse
Fact Sheet: http://bit.ly/guelpheclipsefactsheet
