Harris Moran Seed Company’s recent trials in Georgia were very politically correct. A lot of tolerance was displayed.

TSWV tolerance, that is.

In the Peach State where Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus punishes crops, TSWV tolerant varieties are quickly becoming the favored plantings.

And Harris Moran breeders are delivering with varieties like HMX 0800 tomato and HMX 1640 bell pepper.

Dan Bailey, eastern regional sales manager for Harris Moran, said the company’s steadfast focus on the Southeast market continues to payoff with varieties tailor-made for the unique growing conditions here.

"The built-in TSWV tolerance in our new varieties demonstrates the commitment we have to the Southeast," he said. "If there’s a disease or pest challenge, we’re going to help growers – not just live with it – but overcome it. We think our new crop of varieties do just that."

About 100 growers, dealers, and extension specialists gathered in Tifton to inspect 75 new varieties at the Harris Moran trials. They walked the rows, squeezing, tasting, smelling, and sizing up the fruit.

HMX 0800 represents the latest innovation in fresh market tomatoes from Harris Moran. With tolerance to TSWV and Fusarium 3, this high yielding tomato is quickly becoming the growers’ choice in areas frequented by disease. Another reason for its popularity: large-fruit size with exceptional quality.

HMX 1640, a new bell pepper, has become the answer for growers in TSWV-plagued areas. Featuring tolerance to TSWV and resistance to BLS race, 1,2,3,5, this high yielder produces mostly XL and L even under disease pressure. Another advantage: superior eating quality.

Visitors also took note of Stonewall, a new slicer cucumber that outpaced the competition in: the highest number of No. 1 fancy fruit, fruit quality, fruit shape, size, and storage ability. Resistant to: Powdery Mildew, Anthracnose, Scab, Angular Leaf Spot, Downy Mildew, and Cucumber Mosaic Virus.

Then there’s Conquest, a green to red bell pepper that has consistently yielded among the top in trials for high quality marketable fruit. It’s highly tolerant to Phytophthora Capcisi and resistant to an array of viruses.

Another pepper turning heads is Patriot, a green to red blocky bell. It’s an early maturing blocky with concentrated fruit set and resistance to BLS 1,2,3,5 and PVY.

Outperforming the field in yield, earliness, and field-holding ability is Ambra (HMX0104), a superior new bean from Harris Moran. This prolific yielder produces straight and smooth green beans – the kind the market demands.

An up-and-coming bean that fits the dark bean class is HMX 0944. It features dark green pods and improved eating quality.

Soon to be a new standard in watermelon is HMX 8914, an early maturing triploid with good seedlessness, and a brilliantly colorful interior.

Also making a splash at the trials were:

• Squash Lynx and Lioness
• Cabbage HMX 0228 and Blue Thunder
• Corn Shooting Star, Polaris
• Hot pepper Chispa

The success of Harris Moran’s new varieties is a direct result of breeding programs that emphasize yield, disease resistance, shippability, and regional adaptation, said Bailey.

"Our breeders and our company will continue to concentrate on the Southeast and its unique growing problems. Look for more TSWV tolerant varieties down the road."

Harris Moran Seed Company is part of the largest independently owned seed company in the world. It is owned by Groupe Limagrain, a French cooperative owned, run, and operated by French farmers