Speedo / Spido

Technological potential of the Spido hybrid

French breeding from Vilmorin-Mikado traditionally focuses on balancing production efficiency with high marketability. The Spido hybrid is a classic representative of the Nantes type, developed for professional vegetable growing, where every centimeter of root length and flesh density directly impacts profitability.

Morphology and Physiology

The core advantage of Spido lies in its precisely defined root geometry. The cylindrical-conical shape facilitates easier harvesting, especially in heavy soils, and is critical for automating the washing process. The roots reach a length of 15–20 cm while maintaining an intense, rich orange pigment both on the skin and within the core. This distribution of carotenoids makes the variety highly competitive in the fresh produce market.

Production Practice and Logistics

The agronomic characteristics of Spido are targeted at three key segments:

• Bunching: The rapid vegetation period (80–90 days) allows for an early market entry with high-quality produce.
• Commercial Washing: The smooth surface of the root and its uniform shape minimize waste during mechanical cleaning.
• Processing: High tissue density ensures excellent yield during slicing or juice production.

The recommended seeding density of 0.6–0.8 million seeds per hectare is the 'gold standard' for this hybrid, allowing the plant to fully realize its genetic potential regarding root size without excessive overcrowding. A shelf life of up to 4 months is optimal for mid-early cycles, giving farmers the flexibility to manage harvest sales throughout the autumn season.