The process of internationalization of Nova Siri Genetics (NSG), a research and experimental company focusing on new varieties of strawberries and berries, continues. Specifically, a company delegation recently visited India to meet with its partners “Mahaberry Private Limited” and “8 Berries Farm & Nursery Private Limited,” the two local companies with which NSG signed an agreement last August for the commercialization, testing, and propagation of its strawberry varieties and new selections.
The visit aimed to strengthen the partnership with the two Indian companies and to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of local growers and how NSG's breeding program can contribute to the development of the sector in the country.
Nicola Tufaro (NSG) and Pillai Srinivasan during a conference in the Nilgiris District
In particular, NSG participated in two conferences focused on the strawberry industry. The first was held in the Mahabaleshwar area, in the Maharashtra region (central India), characterized by vast areas of strawberry cultivation and a strong demand for new cultivars already established worldwide.
The second conference was organized in the southern part of the country, specifically in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, an area with great growth potential in strawberry cultivation and nursery development for quality strawberry plant production in the country.
Nicola Tufaro during a conference in Mahabaleshwar
Nicola Tufaro, the company’s breeder, who acted as the guest of honor at both events, stated: “This was a valuable opportunity to present our genetic improvement activities and our new varieties to producers, associations, and government bodies. We observed a strong interest from Indian stakeholders in new strawberry cultivars capable of improving both production performance and product quality in the region.”
Pillai Srinivasan, Managing Director of Mahaberry and 8 Berries, commented: “NSG's contributions during both conferences were received with great interest by Indian producers in the two areas. Currently, Mahabaleshwar’s producers are seeking new strawberry varieties to replace existing ones that are not delivering satisfactory quantitative or qualitative results.
India: strawberry processing
Therefore, NSG’s presentation at the conference sparked great enthusiasm as producers learned about NSG’s new varieties, which are showing very positive results in regions worldwide with climatic conditions similar to India’s berry-growing areas. On the other hand, NSG’s breeder inspired producers in Nilgiris with a presentation focused on propagation techniques for introducing new varieties in the Indian market through the establishment of nurseries for quality plant production.”
The trip was also an opportunity to analyze the performance of some of NSG’s strawberry cultivars that have already been present in the country for some time. Specifically, Melissa has become the premium benchmark variety for many producers. This cultivar delivers excellent production performance, standing out for high-quality yields and good tolerance to pathogens.
India: strawberry field
Recently introduced is NSG 203 - Marimbella® , which is gaining recognition for its high robustness in adapting to open-field cultivation (the standard practice in India) and its high tolerance to soil-borne pathogens, given the lack of soil disinfestation.
The Italian breeding company hopes to continue its collaborative relationship with its two Indian partners, aiming to meet the needs of producers by offering more efficient new varieties combined with technical support for a territory with such high development potential as India.
India: NSG delegation and Indian partners in a strawberry field
Source: NSG
