STARKE AYRES has an extensive range of large-fruited cantaloupe varieties that are suitable for cool season production in frost-free growing areas. These were selected for the preferred fruit size, as well as high yield and high fruit quality.
TOUCHDOWN is the ideal variety for winter production of large fruit. It produces medium vigorous vines and has high resistance to Fusarium, as well as resistance to Powdery Mildew. TOUCHDOWN gives very high yield of extra-large, oval fruit with medium to coarse netting that turns grey-straw colour at maturity, with radial cracks forming around the peduncle. The fruits have firm, bright orange flesh, high brix and good flavour. The variety is suited to fresh-cut processing and the fresh market.
GOLDELIXIR is popular for early summer and late summer production in various climates. The variety produces vigorous vines and has resistance to Fusarium, as well as Powdery Mildew. GOLDELIXIR gives very high yield of large, oval fruit with medium to coarse netting that turns grey-straw colour at maturity, with radial cracks forming around the peduncle. The flesh is deep orange and firm with long shelf life, high brix and excellent flavour. The variety is suited to fresh-cut processing and the fresh market.
ORANGELLY* is a new variety for early summer and late summer production in various climates. The vines are very vigorous with high resistance to Fusarium, as well as resistance to Powdery Mildew and Cotton Aphid. ORANGELLY produces high yield of attractive, large, oval fruit with medium to coarse netting that turns grey-straw colour at maturity, with radial cracks forming around the peduncle. The deep orange flesh is very firm with long shelf life, high brix and excellent flavour. The variety is suited to fresh-cut processing and the fresh market.
Typical radial cracks around the peduncle indicating maturity.
MORGAN* is a new variety for early summer production in various climates. The vines are vigorous and it has resistance to Fusarium. MORGAN produces very high yield of attractive, large, oval fruit with medium to fine netting that turns grey-straw colour at maturity, with radial cracks forming around the peduncle. The bright orange, firm flesh has long shelf life, high brix and excellent flavour. The variety is suited to fresh-cut processing and the fresh market.
GATSBY produces vigorous vines that continue to flower and set fruit after initial harvesting, and has resistance to Fusarium, as well as Powdery Mildew. GATSBY is very high yielding and produces large, round fruit with attractive coarse, dense net that turns grey-straw colour at maturity. The fruit is ready for harvest after the skin colour change is complete and a crack forms around the peduncle of the fruit, forming a clear “slip”. The fruit has salmon-orange, firm flesh with long shelf life, high brix and excellent flavour. The variety is suited to the fresh market.
This range of cantaloupes makes it possible for the grower to select the ideal variety for the preferred size and quality during cool season production.
