The Baratta Family in Italy has become well-known for their carnations, which they have bred for over fifty years. But do you know that they breed ranunculus, too? They have been breeding and crossing ranunculus for 15 years, and the first new ranunculus varieties are entering the world now via Florente s.r.l. At Proflora, which took place last week, the first 6 commercial varieties were presented for the first time.
Mauricio Jimenez and Gianfranco Fenoglio at Proflora 2023.
How it started
Gianfranco Fenoglio, General Manager, Mauricio Jimenez, Sales Manager, and Massimo Baratta, Breeder, are running the company and were present at the fair in Colombia. They started breeding and crossing 15 years ago alongside their carnation breeding activities for La Villetta s.r.l. When Selecta one acquired La Villetta s.r.l. They collaborated with Selecta for carnation but also started focusing on their ranunculus breeding, and in July 2023, Florente was bought. Along the way, they also started in-vitro and clone production, and now, they do everything from breeding to supplying rhizomes to the growers.
USP
So, what makes these ranunculus varieties so unique? Fenoglio: "The varieties are perfect for the South American market as they have long stems, high-quality big heads, have high production, and are fast growing. The Barrata family and company is known for their quality, and therefore, these varieties need to excel in quality too before we put them on the market."
Commercial varieties
Currently, they have 6 commercial varieties to offer. "Of course, the number will increase in the future as we have 50-80 codes under evaluation each year. Our goal is also to be able to offer fresh Corms for all planting seasons of the year to take advantage of the light and temperature conditions that South America offers", adds Jimenez.
Good reactions in first trials
Like they did in La VilletTa, the first selection takes place in Italy. Then, when they are pleased with the variety, they will try it in COLOMBIA, Ecuador, and the South. And regarding the trials, the first reactions have been positive, says Fenoglio.
Increased popularity
And the timing of the introduction seems to be a good one. "The ranunculus is still a niche product, but over the last years, we have seen the demand for ranunculus increasing. And not only from the growers' side in Colombia and Ecuador but also on the buyer's side in many countries."
For more information:
Gianfranco Fenoglio
Florente
Email: [email protected]
www.florente.co