Spain-based fruit breeder Planasa has launched a new strawberry variety, which is said to stand out due to its precociousness, productivity and disease tolerance.

The Savana variety was developed created after nine years of crossovers and field tests.

"It has not been in the market for long, but it is working well in Huelva and in Mediterranean basin countries like Greece, the Mahgreb countries and Portugal," said Emilio Fuertes, Planasa's product manager for strawberries.

The variety is described as being rustic and resistant to fungi and soil diseases.

"This means there will be less pesticide treatment. It is also a plant with a very good radicular system which allows it to adapt well to different types of soils and disinfection," said Fuertes.

The strawberries are an intense red color and of good caliber until the end of the harvest, Planasa said.

"They have a great taste and a great aroma, which makes us very optimistic that they will be a triumph in the market," Fuertes said.

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