Focus

Long-term storage and disease resistance: the 'Focus' advantage

In the highly competitive red onion market, the ability to store product through the winter is the primary factor for profitability. 'Focus', a hybrid developed by Isi Sementi S.P.A., is specifically engineered to provide growers with a robust, high-yielding crop that withstands the challenges of long-term storage.

Agronomic value proposition

Professional growers often choose 'Focus' due to its sophisticated resistance profile, which helps secure yields even in high-pressure environments:

• Robust health: Built-in resistance to pink root rot and Fusarium ensures that crops remain vigorous throughout the season, reducing the need for aggressive fungicide application.
• Exceptional shelf life: One of the standout features of this hybrid is its ability to maintain marketable quality for 9 to 10 months post-harvest.
• Marketable aesthetics: With a classic round shape and a rich, deep red skin color, 'Focus' is visually appealing and retains its color intensity well during storage.

Operational scenario

With a maturity period of 110–120 days, 'Focus' is categorized as a mid-late hybrid, making it a perfect fit for planning a sequential harvest. The hybrid’s firm scale structure is a major asset for large-scale farming operations, as it minimizes mechanical damage during mechanized harvesting. By reducing bruising and skin loss, 'Focus' ensures that the onions entering storage are of the highest possible standard, ultimately lowering shrinkage rates and maximizing revenue for the season.