Wedoany.com Report-Dec.18, BASF's vegetable seeds business, marketed under the Nunhems® brand, has introduced the Percyst® brand of carrots. This new variety represents the result of over 20 years of research and development, establishing a significant advancement in carrot breeding.

The Percyst carrots are the first variety to offer intermediate resistance to Southern root-knot and other root-knot nematodes. In addition, they demonstrate superior attributes in flavor, color, and texture, raising the benchmark for commercial carrot production.

Nematodes of these types are known to affect carrot yields and quality substantially. Studies indicate that such pests contribute to considerable annual crop losses in the United States, estimated at $10 billion. Recent research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in 2023 highlighted the ongoing difficulties these organisms present for producers, especially in California.

The Percyst variety provides an effective approach by incorporating built-in resistance, which helps decrease dependence on traditional chemical soil treatments. This feature aligns with evolving regulatory requirements in key growing regions, supporting more sustainable practices.

BASF | Nunhems has built a strong reputation for creating innovative seed technologies that benefit fruit and vegetable producers globally. Previous developments include hybrid tomatoes optimized for productivity, cucumbers with improved disease tolerance, melons selected for better taste, and onions engineered for consistency. Each advancement follows a consistent focus on delivering solutions that meet practical grower requirements.

The introduction of Percyst continues this tradition, offering a robust option to address one of the sector's enduring issues.

"Our journey with Percyst brand carrots reflects the team's strategic foresight and dedication to addressing long-standing grower challenges," said Kaitlyn O'Neal, BASF | Nunhems Regional Crop Lead, Americas: Carrot, Onion. "This variety not only leverages advanced resistance traits but also delivers the consistency and resilience growers need to remain competitive in an evolving market."

In addition to nematode resistance, Percyst carrots provide versatility for different uses. They perform well in fresh market packaging, such as cello packs, and are suitable for processing into baby carrots. This flexibility allows producers to target various sales channels effectively.

Overall, the Percyst brand enhances options for carrot cultivation by combining protective traits with high-quality characteristics. It supports efficient production while responding to market demands for reliable, flavorful products. The launch reinforces BASF | Nunhems' commitment to practical innovations that assist growers in maintaining productivity amid changing agricultural conditions. This development is particularly relevant in major production areas where nematode management has been a priority concern.