CapGen Seeds reinforces its commitment to genetic improvement at Expolevante 2026

CapGen Seeds will be present on April 22, 23, and 24 at Expolevante 2026 (Campohermoso, Almería), where it will showcase a strategic renewal of its varietal catalog in key crops of the intensive farming sector. The company is consolidating its approach based on three fundamental pillars: genetic resistance to emerging diseases, productivity in real field conditions, and adaptation to the demanding requirements of international markets.

ToBRFV-resistant tomatoes have become an absolute priority for producers in intensive areas like Almería or Sicily, where the pressure of this virus has forced a complete rethinking of varietal choice. In this context, plant breeding plays a key role in guaranteeing productive continuity without compromising fruit quality or commercial viability.

Tomato and Watermelon: Varieties in a Key Phase of Consolidation

Panoramix: Resistance and Quality for Export

The Panoramix oval tomato is positioned as one of the main bets in the tomato segment, incorporating intermediate resistance to ToBRFV (Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus) and TSWV (Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus). Under field conditions in Almería, it stands out for its fruit uniformity, high firmness, and excellent post-harvest behavior, maintaining a stable size of 100–110 g.

In addition to its resistance package, Panoramix stands out for its ability to maintain fruit uniformity throughout the entire cycle, even under stress conditions. This behavior is especially relevant for export markets, where homogeneity and firmness are determining factors for long-distance transport and shelf life.

Tentación: Consolidation in Seedless Watermelon

Tentación, a black seedless watermelon, is moving toward commercial consolidation after highly positive field results. This variety offers a high sugar content (Brix), a crunchy texture that is highly valued by consumers, and very homogeneous sizes ranging from 6 to 8 kg, ideal for modern distribution.

New Additions: Cucumber and Cocktail Segment

Jarama: Productivity and Stability in Dutch Cucumber

Jarama is introduced as a new solution in the Dutch-type cucumber segment. It is oriented toward high production and fruit uniformity, showing great stability under different climatic and management conditions throughout the season.

CGT3582: Specialization in Cocktail Tomato

The cocktail segment is reinforced with CGT3582, a pre-commercial material that combines high resistance to ToBRFV with an intense red color and high post-harvest life. This material is designed for growers looking for added value in specialty segments without risking crop safety.

“The Guardians of the Blocky Pepper”: Strategy by Cycles

The main focus of CapGen Seeds at Expolevante 2026 will be its new range of blocky pepper (California type). Key features:

• Resistance to powdery mildew (Lt)
• Resistance to nematodes (Ma, Mi, Mj)
• Superior adaptation to high temperatures

Featured Varieties:

• Cancerbero: Specifically developed for the early cycle.
• Arquero: Optimized for the medium cycle.
• Vigía and Vigilante: Designed for late cycles.

This range allows for productive continuity and precise segmentation by transplant dates, providing greater agronomic security. The segmentation by cycles within the range responds to a growing need of the farmer: to adjust the variety to the exact moment of transplanting and the specific climatic conditions of each phase of the crop.

Knowledge Transfer and Territorial Focus

Although especially adapted to the Western Almería area, Expolevante 2026 allows these solutions to be transferred to other producing areas such as the Mediterranean basin or North Africa, reinforcing technical transfer among professional farmers.

Varietal Innovation Adapted to the Professional Farmer

The development of new varieties at CapGen Seeds is based on continuous trials in real field conditions. The renewal of the catalog responds to a clear need of the sector: “Current varietal development requires combining resistance, production, and commercial quality in the same material,” according to the R&D Department of CapGen Seeds.

FAQ

Which crop stands out the most in the presented innovation?

The blocky pepper with the “Los Guardianes” range.

What does ToBRFV resistance in tomatoes provide?

It allows maintaining production and crop quality in the presence of the virus.

What is the difference between the pepper varieties by cycle?

They adapt to different transplant dates and specific climatic conditions.

However, while the industry looks for solutions, the grower must continue producing. In this context, a key question arises: “Why do I treat, yet the pest remains?” Often, the answer lies not in the active ingredient used nor in the quality of the beneficials released, but in a physical barrier we sometimes overlook: the plant structure itself.

The “Plant Bunker” Effect

Unlike the western flower thrips, Parvispinus has an elusive behavior. It instinctively seeks areas with higher relative humidity and protection: tender shoots and the interior of the leaf mass. If we grow varieties with uncontrolled vigor and, above all, with excessively large leaves and a closed habit, we are unintentionally building a “bunker” for the pest.

In these “jungle” conditions:

• The microclimate works against you: Excess leaf surface retains humidity, favoring not only thrips but also fungi like Botrytis.
• Contact treatments do not reach: Droplets stay on the barrier of outer leaves, leaving the thrips’ refuge dry.
• Biological control loses efficacy: Orius finds it harder to patrol and find its prey in a dense tangle.

The Strategy: Less Leaf, More Visibility

Given the lack of total genetic resistance in the current market, the best defense is accessibility. At CapGen Seeds, we have redefined the concept of “open architecture”: it is not just about the quantity of leaves, but their size and arrangement.

Our new genetic lines focus on smaller leaf sizes. This allows for direct visual permeability: if you can see the fruits with the naked eye without moving foliage, the treatment can also enter.

A plant with this architecture:

• Allows the spray broth to penetrate to the central stem and shoots.
• Facilitates the installation and mobility of beneficial insects.
• Reduces the need for aggressive pruning, saving labor costs.

A Solution Adapted to Every Cycle’s Difficulty

We know that growing in July is not the same as in August. The main challenge has always been in early cycles, where opening the plant seemed impossible due to the risk of sunscald on the fruit. However, our breeding program has achieved the balance.

Regardless of your planting date, the strategy remains the same:

• Early Cycles (late June – mid-July): The most complex technical challenge. We have achieved varieties with just the right leaf coverage to avoid sunscald, but with a structure airy enough not to compromise treatments.
• Medium Cycles (July): Balanced plants that allow continuity, reducing leaf size to avoid excess plant mass.
• Late Cycles (August): Medium-high vigor options that guarantee clean and ventilated endings, crucial to avoiding rot problems in the winter months.

We cannot make Parvispinus disappear, but we can choose genetics that stop protecting it. If you are looking to improve the efficacy of your treatments next campaign, start by choosing the right architecture.

Consult our technical team for the option that best suits your area and transplant date.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thrips parvispinus and Plant Architecture

Discover why Panoramix is the perfect choice for both farmers and consumers looking for a tasty, healthy tomato that works effortlessly in a wide variety of recipes.

Panoramix Health Benefits

1. Rich in antioxidants for healthy skin and heart:
   Panoramix is rich in lycopene, a key antioxidant that protects the heart and skin. Its deep red color reflects its high lycopene content, helping to combat cellular aging.
2. High in vitamin C and essential minerals:
   With high levels of vitamin C, Panoramix boosts the immune system and improves iron absorption. Its potassium content helps maintain balanced blood pressure.
3. Low in calories, high in fiber: ideal for a healthy diet:
   Its low calorie content and high fiber support digestion and help prolong the feeling of fullness, making it a great ally for balanced eating.

Panoramix in the Kitchen: Irresistible Recipes

Thanks to its firm texture, thin skin, and balanced Brix levels, Panoramix is suited for a wide range of culinary uses—from fresh dishes to more complex preparations.

• Panoramix tomato salad with fresh cheese and basil:
  A Mediterranean classic where its sweetness balances beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese and the aroma of fresh basil.
• Stuffed tomatoes with Russian salad:
  Its firmness and ideal size make it easy to hollow out and stuff without losing shape—creating an eye-catching and delicious appetizer.
• Bread with tomato and Iberian ham:
  A staple of Spanish cuisine, elevated by the juiciness and balanced flavor of Panoramix.
• Homemade tomato sauce: perfect color, flavor, and texture:
  Its high lycopene content and concentrated flavor ensure smooth, delicious sauces for pastas, stews, and sautés.

Panoramix: Beyond Flavor

In addition to its culinary profile and nutritional benefits, Panoramix F1 offers reliability and field stability. Its intermediate resistance to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) and high productivity make it a dependable, profitable choice for growers.

If you’re looking for a tomato that combines flavor, health, and versatility, Panoramix is the perfect choice.

Sports are more than just physical activity; they are a powerful tool for improving health, instilling values like teamwork, discipline, and respect, and strengthening community bonds. At CapGen Seeds, we believe in the transformative power of sports to change lives and contribute to both personal and collective development.

That’s why we reaffirm our commitment to promoting sports through sponsorships and partnerships that support local talent and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle.

Sponsorship of the CD Adra Trafalgar Girls’ Youth Team

Understanding the importance of grassroots sports and gender equality, CapGen Seeds proudly supports the CD Adra Trafalgar Girls’ Youth Team, competing in the Second Andalusian Division of Futsal. We firmly believe in the positive impact of sports on young girls’ empowerment, helping them develop leadership skills, teamwork, and self-confidence.

Through this sponsorship, we contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future, where sports serve not only as a platform for personal growth but also as inspiration for future generations.

Support for CD El Ejido Futsal

Our commitment to sports extends to CD El Ejido Futsal, a team competing in Spain’s Second Division of the National Futsal League. Through this sponsorship, we help drive the team’s growth and success, providing resources for them to compete at the highest levels of futsal.

Additionally, our collaboration supports youth divisions, nurturing young talents and ensuring the continuity of futsal at a local level.

Partnership with Peña Ciclista de Almerimar “Los de Siempre”

Cycling is a sport that embodies effort, resilience, and sustainability, values that CapGen Seeds proudly shares. That’s why we have partnered with Peña Ciclista de Almerimar “Los de Siempre”, a cycling group that not only promotes cycling as a recreational and competitive sport but also encourages healthy lifestyle habits for all ages.

Through our sponsorship, we support cycling events and activities, fueling a passion for the sport and fostering a stronger cycling community.

At CapGen Seeds, we believe that sports play a fundamental role in building a healthier, more equitable, and united society. Our sponsorships not only benefit teams and athletes but also reinforce our corporate values and deep connection with the community. We will continue to support sports initiatives that promote inclusion, dedication, and personal development, reaffirming our commitment to a healthier, more dynamic future for everyone.

Diletta: An Eggplant with Great Potential

Our Diletta variety has proven to be one of the most promising in the eggplant market. The plant is vigorous, with short internodes and opaque leaves that ensure abundant fruiting from the early stages of growth. Its earliness allows farmers to take advantage of early market windows with high-quality fruits.

Diletta’s fruits are easily recognizable: they have a bright violet color, an elegant calyx, and an ideal weight between 600 and 700 grams. This makes it a perfect choice for both fresh markets and packaged presentations. Additionally, its ability to retain freshness during long transportation periods makes it a highly competitive variety.

Diletta’s Success Among Sicilian Farmers

We are thrilled with Diletta’s reception among Sicilian farmers, both in conventional and organic agriculture. A standout case is Azienda Guastella Bio, run by Salvatore Guastella, where Diletta has proven to be ideal for organic cultivation. Salvatore emphasizes the earliness of the variety, its excellent color, and the quality of its fruit, which stands out for its thick flesh and heat-resistant skin—perfect for Mediterranean conditions.

Moreover, large producers like the Splendort group in Ispica, represented by Angelo Cannata, have quickly adopted Diletta. Angelo praises the plant’s vigor and strong foliage coverage, which ensures abundant and early fruiting. He says, “Diletta allows us to be competitive from the get-go, thanks to its bright violet color and good fruit weight.”

Another success story comes from Giuseppe Iurato, a partner at Associazione Semplice Agricola ‘S. Giuseppe’ in Scicli. Giuseppe shares: “Diletta has surprised us with its excellent productivity and unmatched flavor. This eggplant not only offers high yields but also meets the market’s high-quality standards.”

Continuous Innovation at CapGen Seeds Italy

At CapGen Seeds Italy, we continue to innovate. In addition to Diletta’s success, we are working intensely on other crops, particularly peppers and oval tomatoes. Bartolo Rendo, R&D Manager CapGen Seeds Italy, states: “Diletta has succeeded in both conventional and organic agriculture thanks to its earliness and quality. Moreover, our pre-commercial trials of yellow and red lamuyo-type peppers and oval tomatoes have shown very promising results.”

With the introduction of Diletta and other varieties, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and farmer satisfaction. At CapGen Seeds Italy, we remain focused on developing solutions for conventional and organic farming, consolidating our presence in the world’s most demanding markets.

What is Cis-Lycopene?

Lycopene is a carotenoid found in several fruits and vegetables, but papaya is one of the richest sources of its cis-form. Unlike trans-lycopene, cis-lycopene is more easily absorbed in the human body, making it more effective in its health benefits. This carotenoid is known for its antioxidant properties, which help fight free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Health Benefits of Cis-Licopene

Regular consumption of cis-lycopene has been associated with several health benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease: cis-lycopene helps improve heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and improving endothelial function.
• Cancer prevention: Studies have shown that cis-lycopene may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, especially prostate cancer.
• Eye health: This carotenoid is also beneficial for eye health, helping to prevent age-related macular degeneration.
• Skin protection: Cis-lycopene can protect the skin against damage caused by sun exposure, reducing the risk of sunburn and premature aging.

The Alicia Papaya: A Superior Source of Cis-Licopene

The Alicia Papaya variety, developed by CapGen Seeds, stands out not only for its excellent taste and texture, but also for its high concentration of cis-lycopene. This variety has been carefully bred to maximize its content of this important carotenoid, providing a nutritious and delicious option for those looking to improve their health.

Why Choose Papaya Alicia?

• High Cis-Lycopene Content: Papaya Alicia is one of the best sources of cis-lycopene available, offering greater bioavailability and efficacy compared to other sources of lycopene.
• Exceptional Taste and Texture: In addition to its nutritional benefits, the Alicia papaya is distinguished by its sweet taste and smooth texture, making it a pleasure to include in your daily diet.
• Sustainable Cultivation: At CapGen Seeds, we are committed to sustainable cultivation practices, ensuring that our varieties are not only good for your health, but also for the environment.

How to Incorporate Papaya Alice into Your Diet

Papaya Alicia is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. You can add it to smoothies, fruit salads, or simply enjoy it on its own as a refreshing snack. No matter how you choose to consume it, you will be reaping all the benefits of cis-lycopene for your health.

In short, CapGen Seeds’ Alicia Papaya is the best choice for those looking to increase their cis-lycopene intake and enjoy its numerous health benefits. By choosing Papaya Alicia, you are not only choosing a delicious fruit, but also a nutritionally superior option that can significantly contribute to your overall well-being.

Find out more about Papaya Alicia and other Papaya varieties available at CapGen Seeds – your health and well-being deserve the best!

On this occasion, we will present our latest innovations in seeds, including exciting new varieties in tomato, cucumber and watermelon, in addition to our well established and recognizable varieties such as our large caliber oval tomato variety Obelix. We will officially introduce Gavilan, a oval cherry tomato with resistance to ToBRFV (ToBRFV), ideal for late fall cycles and with high production capacity. In addition, our new export oval tomato variety, CGT3615, which has already generated great expectation even before its official presentation. This variety stands out for its quality and long post-harvest life, and is resistant to rugose virus (ToBRFV).

CapGen Seeds showcases innovations at the next edition of Expolevante

Continuing with our commitment to innovation and excellence in the agricultural sector, we will also present our cucumber and watermelon varieties under development. In this regard, we have three new cucumber varieties in pre-commercial stage, designed to cover the entire crop cycle with resistance to CGMMV. We will also launch CGW1046, a black watermelon that promises to stand out for its flavour and high Brix content.

Our team will be available during the show to provide detailed information on our current projects and answer any questions visitors may have. We are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to innovation and excellence in the agricultural sector, offering solutions that meet the changing demands of the market and contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture.

Feel free to visit our stand at number 88, Expolevante-Níjar 2024 to learn more about our exciting innovations and ongoing projects! We are excited to share our passion for agriculture and show how our varieties can help boost productivity and sustainability in the field. We look forward to seeing you at the show!

This new agricultural fair will bring together more than 30 leading companies in the industry, offering a unique platform to explore the latest trends, technologies and products that are transforming agriculture on the Granada Coast. From innovations in marketing and nutrition to advances in seed genetics and digital control technology, the show will cover all areas of interest to industry professionals. In addition, there will be a series of keynotes and lectures by leading industry experts, providing an invaluable opportunity for learning and collaboration.

At our stand, located at number 3, we invite you to take a closer look at our most outstanding varieties grown in the province of Granada. From papayas and tomatoes to peppers and cucumbers, our innovative seeds are designed to maximize crop yield and quality. Our team will be happy to share detailed information about our varieties, as well as discuss the latest trends and farming practices.

CapGen Seeds at the Granada Coast and I EXPO CHERRY

Participation in this event on the Granada Coast is a testament to our continued commitment to innovation and excellence in agriculture. We are committed to continuing to drive the advancement of the agricultural industry and to provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers and the marketplace at large.

We look forward to seeing you at I EXPO-CHERRY 2024 to discover together the exciting future of agriculture on the Granada Coast! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with industry experts, explore new technologies and find inspiration to take your farming to the next level – see you at La Rábita!

The construction of these new facilities is an important step forward in the company’s strategy, allowing us to continue growing in terms of research, since this will make it possible to open new lines of research allowing us to develop new varieties with greater resistance to diseases and viruses, lines to develop more productive varieties and lines of development where the flavor of the fruit is sought.

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, this project will allow us to continue researching more environmentally sustainable varieties. Until now, several projects have already been carried out for the development of varieties that require less water and fertilizers , and that are more resistant to pests and diseases. But from now on, more research of this type can be carried out at the same time.

Commitment to genetic research with a new greenhouse

The greenhouse is being built by the greenhouse construction company NOVAGRIC, and will be equipped with state-of-the-art crop technology. Construction of the greenhouse is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.

“We are excited about the project,” says CapGen Seeds MANAGING DIRECTOR Rafael Cremades. “This new facility will allow us to develop new varieties that meet the needs of growers and consumers faster.”

With this project, employment opportunities will also be created in the area, as it will require the hiring of personnel specialized in agriculture and biotechnology to carry out the crop improvements.
We aim to become a benchmark in horticultural research and contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture. With the construction of this greenhouse, we continue to advance towards this goal and once again demonstrate our commitment to innovation and the continuous improvement of horticultural varieties with this investment of our own financing.

Every year, new pests and diseases appear that attack the crops and make it difficult for the farmer to have a good production or a constant production, therefore, it is a high priority for the sector to develop varieties with resistance to these enemies of the grower.

In the case of blocky pepper, we can mention the fungus Leveillula Taurica (LT), better known colloquially as ash or powdery mildew. This disease has been affecting mainly blocky pepper and tomato crops for some years now, and can wreak great havoc on crops. It is one of the most important diseases in the cultivation of peppers under plastic.

The disease develops on the leaf of the plant and progressively reduces the photosynthetic capacity of the plant, while reducing and slowing down its production. If not treated in time, the plant may die.

From the first moment that the alarm bells rang with powdery mildew (Lt), our research team and geneticists of the seed company from Almeria, CapGen Seeds, began to investigate in this direction, seeking to cooperate with farmers to solve the problems caused by this fungus.

CGP2223. New powdery mildew resistant varieties from CapGen Seeds

After years of research, CapGen Seeds now has several pre-commercial varieties of blocky pepper with powdery mildew resistance. One of these is the late red ripening blocky pepper CGP2223, which the seed company is currently introducing in Almeria.

This blocky pepper is characterized by having a vigorous plant, open growing, with a powerful root system and a continuous load throughout the cycle. In addition, it has square, G-caliber fruits, intense color, both green and red, high brightness and one of the main qualities of this variety, which is its high speed of maturation.

“Besides CGP2223, our team continues testing our new generation of LT tolerant varieties CGP2212 and CGP2395 in farms in western and eastern Almeria. Both are blocky peppers of extraordinary quality in color, brightness and shape. They have a G and GG caliber, respectively, and have very good fruit load for both green and red harvesting,” said Rafael Cremades, commercial director of CapGen Seeds.

In addition to these varieties of blocky pepper, which we are launching at the moment, at CapGen Seeds we have entered a phase of catalog expansion, in which we must emphasize the segment of tomato specialties, which is currently very advanced according to the company itself, and where they assure us that soon they will have new types of specialties that will be accompanied by different resistance packages so important today.