With an eye on the future of global strawberry cultivation, Egypt and Jordan have taken center stage during the 2025 variety demonstrations promoted by UC Davis.
The initiative, joined by nursery specialists from 12 different countries and hosted by Global Plant Genetics co-owner Rupert Hargreaves, underscored the rapid development of these two MENA nations as rising stars in strawberry genetics and production.
Egypt: A strawberry powerhouse
The journey began in Egypt with a visit to Domiatec Agri-Group, a leading local player. Delegates had the opportunity to tour cutting-edge facilities, including a state-of-the-art tissue culture lab and extensive nursery infrastructure.
Here, UC Davis introduced its latest strawberry varieties, which, according to Hargreaves, “demonstrated remarkable fruit quality and yield,” solidifying Egypt's strategic role in the global strawberry supply chain.
Jordan: Innovation and precision
The delegation then traveled to Jordan, where Highland Ag Investments, under the leadership of Abdallah Al Tayeh, hosted a showcase of UC Davis's premium cultivars.
Among the standout varieties were UC Victor, UC Valiant, UC Moxie, and UC Royal Royce. The field trials were supported by high-specification Haygrove tunnels, with dedicated plots for both fruit production and nursery propagation.
“Abdallah’s setup is a true regional benchmark,” said Hargreaves, praising the fusion of infrastructure, expertise, and elite plant genetics.
UC Victor and Royal Royce
UC Victor, a short-day variety, made a particularly strong impression, delivering heavy fruit loads with peak production anticipated in May and June.
UC Royal Royce also stood out, thanks to its intense colour and large fruit calibre.
“UC Victor yielded exceptional quality fruit—flavourful, with balanced sugar and acid levels, and impressive shelf life. A five-day harvest cycle optimised flavour and enhanced internal colour,” Hargreaves noted.
“Meanwhile, UC Royal Royce, planted in October 2024, lived up to expectations with excellent size and vibrant hue.”
A fruitful future
This cross-border showcase not only displayed the genetic advancements led by UC Davis but also highlighted how Egypt and Jordan are positioning themselves as key nodes in the global strawberry network.
With premium cultivars, modern infrastructure, and knowledgeable growers, the trajectory for both countries points toward greater relevance and competitiveness in the international fruit scene.
Source: fruitnet.com
