California Summer Vegetable Trials In August Will Cover A Wide Range Of Crops
For the second consecutive year, vegetable breeding companies that focus on the fresh market and home garden segments will be coming together to host a series of summer vegetable trials via open houses and field days. The trials, which are organized by the National Garden Bureau, will be held in six locations from Aug. 8-19, 2016. Just like the long-standing California Spring Trials, attendees will have the opportunity to visit breeder company trial sites throughout the state.
Growers should contact each company in advance to arrange their visit. Note that not all stops are open all days.
Visits will focus on observing new varieties in a field or garden setting and learning about new breeding and marketing opportunities from the respective hosts.
Individual companies hosting a field day or open house during August are:
American Takii, Salinas, CA
• Dates: Aug. 8-19
• Crops featured: Asian vegetables, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, carrots, radishes, cabbage
• Phone: 831-756-7056 (Appointments are mandatory, no drop-ins)
• Contact: Julia Paul
PanAmerican Seed, Santa Paula, CA
• Dates: Aug. 10-16
• Crops featured: Vegetables and cut flowers
• Phone: 541-914-5548 (Appointments are mandatory, no drop-ins)
• Contact: Josh Kirschenbaum
Sakata Seed America, Salinas, CA
• Dates: Aug. 15 (12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.); Aug. 16 (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Crops featured: Cool crops. 2016 All-America Selections Edible/Vegetable and Ornamental trials)
• Phone: 408.782.5317 (Appointments are mandatory, no drop-ins)
• Contact: [email protected]
Sakata Seed America, Woodland, CA
• Dates: Aug. 17-18
• Crops featured: Warm crops
• Phone: 408.782.5317 (Appointments are mandatory, no drop-ins)
• Contact: [email protected]
Seeds By Design/Terra Organics, Chico, CA
• Date: Summer Garden Trials luncheon on August 12
• Crops featured: Cucumbers, herbs, squash, pumpkins, gourds, peppers, tomatoes, melons, watermelon
• Phone: 530-438-2126 for appointments on other dates
• Contact: Miles Rogers or Susan Birdseye
Syngenta at Syngenta Flowers, Gilroy, CA
• Dates: Aug. 8-19
• Crops featured: In-ground and patio trials featuring tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, cantaloupe, watermelon
• Phone: 408-847-7333
• Contact: Jeannine Bogard or [email protected]
For more information about the trials and/or membership in National Garden Bureau, contact Diane Blazek.