Research

Starke Ayres’ strategic focus is on the development of vegetable seed varieties that meet and exceed growers’ current vegetable production needs.

We focus on broadening our genetic base and product range to provide the new genetics that the market requires.

We endeavour to anticipate future needs through strategic alliances with various groups, including direct interaction with commercial vegetable growers, processors and vegetable buyers. Our dedicated breeders, research scientists and vegetable researchers located at our various research facilities, guarantee that our capabilities and research focus areas continue to expand.

STATE-OF-THE-ART VEGETABLE SEED VARIETY BREEDING

Starke Ayres applies marker-assisted breeding, double haploid breeding and the latest DNA testing techniques to the vegetable seed varieties it breeds. Our R&D division also maintains agreements for the exchange of technology and germplasm with universities, institutes and other breeding companies across the globe.

While our applied breeding is concentrated at our 6 South African research stations, Starke Ayres has breeder trial sites further north in Africa, as well as in USA, Argentina, Brazil, Hungary and New Zealand.

DISEASE-RESISTANCE

Disease-resistance and tolerance to abiotic stresses are important objectives in all Starke Ayres programmes. As a result, many of its current commercial vegetable seed varieties are characterized by their uncomplicated growability.