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Samourai® is the most recent of the varieties in the in-house hybridization programme of France’s “Pépinières Escande” company. Franck Secalot, the Sales Director for Spain and France explains that “it is a rustic variety that withstands variations in weather very well, is self-sterile and does not present any necrosis problems.”
Its main qualities include a high level of sucrose, between 14º and 16º depending on the geographical area it is grown in. Its firm flesh and also its skin mean that it can be easily handled and transported. “For those same reasons, in the event of rainfall or wind, it is a product that does not get pitted”, says Secalot.
In farming terms, the trees are easy to grow and also turn out quite vigorous, with fruit mostly in 3A size. In addition, the trees provides good calibre fruit even in their first years of life. The blossoming of this medium variety makes it compatible with the Tsunami® variety. In an adult tree, thanks to the homogeneity of the calibres, fruit can be harvested in three stages.
In France, the European country that has staked the most on new varieties of apricots, the Samourai® is expanding very strongly. It is also entering Spain gradually (mostly in Lleida and Murcia) and will soon be introduced in Italy, too.
In order to avoid any problems with pests and to ensure the highest quality produce, Viveros Escande nurseries are supplying all their trees from France with all the appropriate certificates.
In seed fruit, following the triumph with the Selena® pear variety, the firm is now planning to bring to market its new high-quality varieties of apple.
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Franck Secalot