Trials

The proper trialing and selection of varieties is key to the success of any seed company. As such, PanDia puts forth extensive effort in performing a numerous trials, in diverse geographical and climactic conditions. This enables the selection of varieties and development of varieties that are selected to best suit farmers needs.

Below you will find descriptions of the process PanDia takes to develop breeding material into commercial products. This is an extensive, global program that allows for breeding materials to be allocated to the regions best suited for their development. From there, the varieties are trialed in numerous locations and conditions across various countries in order to best determine their market segment. Thousands of varieties do not make it past the experimental stages into the semi-commercial and commercial varieties, ensuring that only the very best selections are offered to our growers.

This page concludes with various photo albums, which act as a visual tool from which each stage of the product development process can be seen-- from screening trials, to semi-commercial field days, to full commercial productions and harvesting. PanDia is proud to offer a cutting edge trialing program that ensures the optimal plant genetics are offered to its growers.

Stage 1- Screening Trials

The first step are the PanDia Screening Trials. This is where thousands of new varieties are planted, evaluated, and advanced or rejected. Numerous characteristics are evaluated, including disease tolerance, plant habit, fruit setting, along with numerous other phenotypic qualities.

During these initial screening trials, typically 80% of new varieties are rejected, leaving just 20% of new varieties to advance to the next step of further trialing.

Stage 2- Advanced Screening Trials

The second step of trialling are the Advanced Screening Trials. During this phase, the promising experimental varieties are sent to 3-6 advanced screening locations around the world. These trials provide much greater insight into the performance and adaptability of new genetics. This allows for results to be compiled from numerous growing regions and climates.

These Advanced Screening Trials are typically performed over two to three seasons to provide the best insight into the long term performance of a variety. During this stage, another 80-95% of the experimental varieties is rejected, leaving just 1-4% of the original breeding material to advance to the next stage.