At CapGen Seeds, we work on developing papaya seeds tailored to the real needs of farmers and the market. Our Papaya Nostrum range comprises materials adapted to greenhouse cultivation, with manageable plants, uniform fruit and a commercial quality designed to meet the demands of growers, distributors and consumers.

Why papaya is gaining prominence in the market

Papaya is a tropical fruit that is increasingly valued for its versatility. It can be eaten fresh, in juices, salads, desserts or culinary dishes, and meets a growing demand for exotic, healthy and distinctive fruits.

From a nutritional perspective, papaya is recognised for its vitamin C content, fibre and naturally occurring compounds. It also contains papain, a proteolytic enzyme unique to papaya that aids in the breakdown of proteins and is also used in the food industry, for example, as a natural meat tenderiser.

For the horticultural sector, the benefits extend beyond the end consumer. Papaya can be a high-value alternative when grown using suitable planting materials, with appropriate technical management and a clearly defined commercial market. In this context, growing papaya in greenhouses allows for better environmental control, protects the plant from adverse conditions and leads to more consistent production.

Three interesting facts about papaya

1. A tropical fruit with great culinary value

Papaya is notable for its balance of sweetness, aroma and texture. It is most commonly eaten fresh, although it is also used in savoury dishes, smoothies, desserts and health-conscious recipes.

2. A plant that looks like a tree but is herbaceous in nature

Although its appearance may be reminiscent of a small tree, the papaya has a non-woody stem and a very distinctive plant structure. This characteristic influences its management and highlights the importance of selecting plants of a suitable size for each production system.

3. Papain, a highly valued enzyme

Papain is one of the best-known characteristics of papaya. This enzyme is found in various parts of the plant and has been used in food applications due to its ability to act on proteins.

Genetics: key to greenhouse papaya cultivation

To produce a high-quality papaya, the choice of seed is crucial. Growers need plants that are well-suited to the growing environment, perform well in greenhouses, are easy to manage, are productive, and produce fruit that meets market demand.

At CapGen Seeds, our papaya lines have been developed with protected cultivation and current production conditions in mind. Among our most notable solutions under the Papaya Nostrum range are Papaya Alicia and Papaya Caballero, two varieties with distinct characteristics tailored to different commercial objectives.

Alicia Papaya: size, adaptability and quality

Alicia is a papaya variety designed for growers seeking a manageable plant that performs well in greenhouses and produces larger fruit.

The plant has a very low growth habit, balanced foliage and short internodes, which makes it easier to manage within the greenhouse. It also stands out for its good cold tolerance, a useful characteristic for maintaining yield potential during periods of lower temperatures.

In terms of fruit, Alicia produces fruits weighing between 750 and 1,100 grams. It allows harvesting at an advanced stage of ripeness, promoting good internal quality and a more satisfying eating experience.

Papaya Caballero: dwarf variety, uniformity and high sweetness

Papaya Caballero is a particularly attractive option for farms seeking to optimise available space and grow a compact plant suited to lower-height structures.

Its very low, almost dwarf-like growth habit makes it well-suited to low-ceilinged greenhouses. Thanks to its medium-to-low foliage, it allows planting density to be increased by up to 10 per cent, helping to improve the utilisation of the cultivated area.

As for the fruit, Caballero stands out for its uniform shape and a commercial size of between 650 and 900 grams. Its soluble solids content, at around 14–15° Brix, makes it a papaya of great interest to markets that particularly value sweet flavour and organoleptic quality.

CapGen Seeds: genetic innovation for high-quality papaya

At CapGen Seeds, we remain committed to genetic improvement in high-value crops. Our expertise in vegetable seeds and our close relationship with farmers enable us to develop varieties focused on yield, quality and market suitability.

If you’d like to start or improve your papaya cultivation, take a look at our technical data sheets, find out about our Papaya Nostrum® ranges and get in touch with our technical and sales team. We’ll help you choose the most suitable genetics for your production system.

The 2nd Costa de Granada Cherry Expo has come to a close, confirming its remarkable growth compared to its first edition. On March 11 and 12, the La Rábita Municipal Pavilion saw a significant increase in both the number of trade visitors and the number of exhibiting companies. This qualitative leap represents a decisive step toward establishing the event as the leading agricultural trade show in the province of Granada

Against this backdrop of rapid growth, CapGen Seeds’ booth #16 became a must-visit destination, where the company’s catalog sparked immense interest among industry professionals.

The Obelix Tomato: The Classic That Continues to Win Over the Countryside

One of the biggest surprises of the event was seeing how, despite the arrival of new varieties, the Obelix plum tomato continues to stand out as one of the top choices in our catalog.

This classic variety captured the attention of visitors, proving its undeniable relevance.

It continues to win over farmers thanks to its large size.

It stands out for its remarkable adaptability to different growing conditions.

Many growers who already cultivate it reaffirmed their confidence in the variety during their visit to the booth.

Many other farmers came to learn more with the goal of planting it for the first time in their next growing s

Genetic Innovation: Solutions for the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV)

In the area of innovation, CapGen Seeds showcased its genetic portfolio to meet today’s high market demands. The company highlighted its varieties with resistance to the dreaded tomato spotted wilt virus:

CGT3582 Cocktail Tomato: This variety is resistant to the tomato leaf curl virus (ToBRFV). It also features a deep red color, a spectacular gloss, and exceptional shelf life.

Panoramix Pear Tomato: This export-grade tomato is resistant to tomato leaf curl and continues to gain popularity in the industry.

Jarama: The new Dutch cucumber from CapGen Seeds

Beyond tomatoes, participating in the Cherry Expo served as an unbeatable showcase to introduce Jarama, the new Dutch cucumber, to the public.

With this innovative addition, the company is expanding its catalog to offer new, top-quality tools to farmers in Granada. The Jarama variety is particularly notable for its significant resistance to CGMMV, providing a highly valued added layer of security that perfectly complements the company’s current portfolio in the region.

A firm commitment to the Costa Tropical

CapGen Seeds thus wraps up an excellent trade show. We reaffirm our commitment to Granada’s Costa Tropical by showcasing the perfect combination of cutting-edge genetics and the proven reliability of our most established varieties.

Following the excellent results of last year’s edition, this fair has quickly established itself as a key event and a fundamental driver for the development of agriculture in the Costa Tropical region. It is an essential space for showcasing the efforts of farmers and the high quality of local products.

Our commitment to the Granada coastline

For CapGen Seeds, being present at this second edition was an indisputable priority. We are fully aware of the importance of farming in the area and the particularities of its climate and soil. Therefore, we remain fully committed to supporting local farmers.

Accompanying professionals in the sector at such a decisive event for agriculture in Granada is part of our philosophy. We want to continue to be by your side, providing reliable agronomic solutions tailored to the real challenges you face each season.

Visit us at our new location: Booth 16

This year we look forward to welcoming you to our Stand number 16. We have designed this new space to provide you with the most personalized and professional service possible during the two days of the event.

Our technical and sales team will be at your complete disposal to:

Listen to the needs of your farm and the challenges of the current season.

Provide you with personalized advice on the management of your crops.

Review our seed catalog, analyzing which varieties are best suited to the demands of your production on the Granada coast.

Admission to the fair is completely free, which represents an excellent opportunity to get together, strengthen ties, and continue to promote the province’s agricultural sector together.

Save the date! We look forward to seeing you on March 11 and 12 at the II Expo Cherr nbn y Costa de Granada. Stop by Stand 16, we’ll be delighted to see you!

In the context of the winter campaign, the company structures its proposal according to commercial destination: Estoque as a reference in Lamuyo for the domestic market, and Panoramix and CGT3582 as strategic materials for export programs and premium segments.

Estoque: the red Lamuyo that meets the real needs of Spanish retailers

The red Lamuyo Estoque exemplifies how an established variety can gain prominence when it aligns with current distribution demands. In contrast to the trend toward excessively large fruits, Estoque opts for a compact, very heavy, thick-skinned format, optimizing box filling and reducing shrinkage during handling.

Its slightly shorter shape minimizes tip breakage, improves logistical efficiency, and facilitates a uniform presentation on the shelf. Agronomically, it offers high yields in winter, an intense red color, and a firmness that appeals to domestic consumers. In addition, it has basic resistance to L4 and a proven adaptation to the mid-late cycle, providing security for the producer.

Panoramix: reliability and consistency for European markets

For export programs, Panoramix has established itself as one of the safest bets in the pear segment. Its technical profile is clearly geared towards long-distance transport: high firmness, absence of microcracking, and uniform size (100–110 g), which speeds up packaging in the warehouse.

The resistance package, with IR to ToBRFV and TSWV, reinforces supply stability and reduces risks in demanding campaigns, making Panoramix a reliable variety for European cooperatives and chains.

CGT3582: innovation in cocktail tomatoes with a vision for the future

In the pre-commercial phase, CGT3582 represents the evolution of the premium cocktail segment. Weighing 35–40 g, it combines a refined appearance that appeals to gourmet consumers with comprehensive disease resistance: resistance to ToBRFV, Cuchara and nematodes.

This balance between presentation, health and production stability positions it as a strategic option for long-cycle crops, adding value to all links in the chain.

Market-oriented genetics: profitability beyond the field

With Estoque regaining Lamuyo’s leading position in the domestic market and Panoramix and CGT3582 securing export and value-added programs, CapGen Seeds demonstrates its ability to anticipate market trends.

The company is thus reinforcing genetic improvement that goes beyond field performance, developing varieties designed to optimize logistics, improve the consumer experience, and guarantee profitability for producers and distributors in an increasingly demanding environment.

While Tentación established itself thanks to its excellent post-harvest performance and uniform size, the R&D department asked itself: ‘What is the one thing a farmer lacks when he is in the middle of the field? Mobile coverage.’ The answer is ‘Gigabyte.’

From Brix degrees to connection degrees with CapGen Seeds watermelons

‘With Tentación, we managed to improve the Brix degrees, but with Gigabyte, we have achieved a balance between Vodafone and Movistar,’ jokes Dr. Stefan Conectiv, head of the project. According to his data, the high concentration of magnesium in the sap of this variety creates a magnetic field capable of amplifying the 4G and 5G signal within a radius of 50 metres.

Trials in eastern Almería Farmers who have already tried it in the San Isidro and Pujaire area can hardly believe it. ‘Before, I had to climb onto the roof of the warehouse to send a WhatsApp message. Now, I sit on a Gigabyte F1 and downloaded the final season of Stranger Things in 4K before it was released on Netflix,’ says a collaborating producer.

War of ‘exclusives’ between telecoms. The potential is such that the marketing model has changed dramatically. Internal sources confirm that CapGen Seeds has halted talks with large cooperatives to sit down with telecommunications giants.

‘We are currently in advanced negotiations with Telefónica,’ sources from the sales department reveal. ‘They want exclusive rights to the variety in order to roll out their rural network without installing antennas. If the deal goes through, this season’s watermelons will not be sold by the kilo, but by the megabyte.’

Consumption precautions: Although the variety retains the intense red colour and juicy texture inherited from the Tentación genetics, CapGen Seeds warns of a minor side effect: if the watermelon is left to overripen on the vine, the excess energy causes it to start mining cryptocurrencies. ‘Yesterday I went to cut one and it had generated 0.003 Bitcoins,’ they report from the field.

The Gigabyte F1 will be available in 2026. It is recommended that you put your mobile phone in ‘airplane mode’ before eating it to avoid digestive interference.

Happy All Fools’ Day!

Consistency and reliability in every branch

Panoramix stands out for the uniformity of its bunches, which maintain balanced development from the beginning of the cycle to the final stages. This characteristic ensures that each harvest produces fruit that is uniform in size (100–110 g), deep red in color, and firm, factors that generate confidence in cooperatives, commercial chains, and end consumers.

In this first commercial year, Panoramix has taken a key step forward by being included in the production programs of the main fruit and vegetable cooperatives. This recognition is a very important endorsement, as it guarantees that the variety meets the technical and quality requirements necessary for export markets.

Variety geared toward export

With intermediate resistance to the rough virus (ToBRFV) and a long post-harvest life, Panoramix meets the demands of the international market, where fruit preservation and presentation are key factors. Its medium-high vigor and open growth habit facilitate cultivation and offer stable production throughout the cycle.

“Panoramix represents CapGen Seeds’ commitment to offering its own solutions to the current challenges in the field. The fact that it is already part of cooperative and farmer programs is a very important step, and our goal now is to consolidate that trust season after season,” says Rafael Cremades, Managing Director of CapGen Seeds.

In addition to Panoramix, CapGen Seeds is working on new lines of research that will soon see the light of day: a Dutch-type cucumber in an advanced stage of development, with resistance adapted to current market demands, and new varieties of California pepper with resistance to Lt and nematodes, which are scheduled to be presented this season.

With these innovations, CapGen Seeds reaffirms its commitment to in-house research and genetic improvement, offering varieties that provide added value to both farmers and the market.

Three strategic vacancies for the future of CapGen Seeds

In line with our commitment to innovation and proximity to farmers, CapGen Seeds has opened the following selection processes:

• Farm Manager in Almería: This person will be responsible for coordinating the agronomic and operational management of our research centre in Vícar (Almería). This position plays a key role in the management of greenhouses and field trials, ensuring that research translates into solid, applicable results for farmers.
• Sales technician in eastern Almería and Murcia: This vacancy strengthens our presence in one of Spain’s most dynamic agricultural areas, which is key to the production of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers for export. The technician will be the link between research and farmers, offering close advice and transferring the value of our seeds to the field.
• Pepper breeder in Agadir: CapGen Seeds has a research centre in Agadir specialising in peppers, one of our strategic crops. This addition will allow us to continue advancing in the development of resistant, productive varieties adapted to the demands of international markets.

The importance of human talent in genetic improvement

At CapGen Seeds, we understand that the development of new varieties does not depend solely on technology, but also on the knowledge and passion of those who work every day in the field, laboratories and research centres.
That is why we invest in the continuous training of our team and are committed to a collaborative, multidisciplinary working environment that is open to innovation. Our plant pathologists, biologists, agronomists and sales technicians work together to provide real solutions to farmers.
The growth of CapGen Seeds in recent years —with a presence in more than 40 countries and our own research centres in Spain and Morocco— would not be possible without the commitment of every person who forms part of the company.

Commitment to internationalisation

The strengthening of our team is also linked to CapGen Seeds’ internationalisation strategy. In recent months, we have consolidated our presence in Italy, Asia and North Africa, markets where our tomato, pepper, cucumber and papaya varieties have attracted considerable interest.
The aim is to continue expanding our horizons, adapting our solutions to different climates and production models. To do this, it is essential to have specialists in research and development.

New challenges for more sustainable agriculture

The vacancies at CapGen Seeds respond to an increasingly demanding agricultural context, marked by the need for resistance to viruses such as ToBRFV and New Delhi, the search for varieties that are better adapted to climate change, and consumer demand for flavour, quality and food safety.
The Farm Manager, Sales Technician and Pepper Breeder will play a decisive role in these objectives, helping our seeds to remain a trusted tool for farmers, cooperatives and marketers around the world.

An invitation to grow together

For CapGen Seeds, September is synonymous with renewal and new beginnings. With these strategic vacancies, we are reinforcing our commitment to innovation and to the people who make the future of agriculture possible.
If you are interested in joining our team, we encourage you to stay tuned to our official communications, where we will be sharing information about these and future opportunities.
At CapGen Seeds, we continue to grow, innovate and sow the seeds of the future, because we are convinced that human talent, like our seeds, is the main capital for cultivating a better world.

Although it has been in cultivation for several seasons, in the last year Amira has aroused growing interest among farmers and technicians, who highlight its regular production, leaf resistance and uniformity in size. These qualities make it a strategic papaya variety for the autumn and winter cycles in the Canary Islands.

Agronomic advantages of Amira papaya

One of the aspects most valued by farmers is its medium size, which facilitates staking, handling and harvesting. Added to this is its moderate resistance to powdery mildew, one of the most common diseases during the cold and humid months.

Thanks to these characteristics, Amira guarantees continuous, high-quality production in winter, even in low light conditions, offering security and stability to Canarian producers.

Other highlights of the variety are:

*Regular fruit set and uniformity of fruit.

*Balanced vegetative development, without excessive vigour.

*High adaptability to different management conditions.

The Amira papaya produces oval-elongated fruit with excellent uniformity in shape, colour and size. Its average weight is between 1,100 and 1,300 grams, a size that is highly valued both in the regional Canarian market and in the national market, where there is growing demand for medium-large papayas for fresh consumption.

Local research and development in the Canary Islands

CapGen Seeds has an experimental station in Gran Canaria dedicated to the development and adaptation of tropical genetic material such as Amira to the specific conditions of the archipelago. This investment in local research ensures farmers reliable, profitable varieties that are adapted to the Canary Islands climate.

Although Amira is not new to the market, its consolidation demonstrates its technical and commercial reliability. Its combination of resistance, manageability and commercial quality make it a strategic option for diversifying the papaya supply in winter.

In addition to its work in the Canary Islands, CapGen Seeds is expanding its trials in Mediterranean areas such as Sicily and Almería, where the Caballero variety is emerging as the best option for these environments.

With Amira in the Canary Islands and new lines in the Mediterranean, the company is reinforcing its commitment to innovation in tropical genetics, providing specific and differentiated solutions for each market, and consolidating its position as an international benchmark in the development of high-yield papaya varieties.

Watermelon varieties adapted to the current market

During the current spring-summer season, CapGen Seeds has made significant progress with watermelons, particularly with the Tentación variety, a seedless watermelon that stands out for its crisp flesh, intense red colour and high sugar content. Its uniform size and good post-harvest properties make it a highly valued variety for both producers and exporters.

Alongside Tentación, the company is moving forward with CGW1095, a seedless cocktail watermelon in the pre-commercial phase. With an average size (3.5–4.5 kg), it has a crimson-type striped rind, deep red flesh and high Brix content, which enhances its flavour and commercial appeal. It is currently being evaluated in the field at several cooperatives in south-eastern Spain.

Both varieties are the result of work carried out at the CapGen Seeds research centre in the Canary Islands, a strategic location that allows for the selection of resistant and stable materials, ideal for demanding climates.

Development of new lines of piel de sapo melon and yellow melon

In melons, CapGen Seeds focuses its innovation on the piel de sapo and yellow melon varieties, two types that are in high demand in Spain and other Mediterranean countries.

Recently, the R&D team conducted field trials in Rabat (Morocco) to evaluate new lines in semi-arid climate conditions. These actions allow us to refine genetic selection and ensure that future varieties meet the real needs of producers.

As a result of these evaluations, we have begun developing the piel de sapo melon CGM1106, a variety with excellent uniformity, good post-harvest performance and balanced flavour, which will continue to advance in the company’s development pipeline.

R&D at the service of farmers

CapGen Seeds’ strategy is based on in-house development, proximity to farmers and an international vision. With a qualified technical team and its own research centres, the company works to offer high added-value genetics, adapted to current agronomic, commercial and climatic requirements.

CapGen Seeds thus reaffirms its commitment to improving summer crops, providing innovative and sustainable solutions for a constantly evolving market.

An ally for your daily well-being

Incorporating papaya into your daily diet is not only simple, but also a smart and delicious decision to improve your quality of life in a comprehensive way. This tropical fruit, in addition to being refreshing and tasty, is loaded with benefits that have a positive impact on various aspects of your health.

A Concentrate of Benefits and Properties in Every Morsel

Thanks to its low calorie content and high concentration of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, papaya is an excellent choice for those who want to maintain a healthy weight without sacrificing flavour or nutrients. It is especially rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid and fibre, essential elements for strengthening the immune system, promoting balanced digestion and improving skin health.

Its digestive enzyme content, such as papain, makes it a digestive food par excellence, ideal for people with gastrointestinal problems or for those seeking a lighter and more natural diet. In addition, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular problems, hypertension and metabolic disorders.

Papaya’s fame is no coincidence. Its nutritional profile is impressive, making it a powerful ally for your health:

Light Digestion: Thanks to papain, a key digestive enzyme, papaya facilitates the digestion of proteins, relieving heaviness and stomach discomfort. Goodbye bloating!

Immune Boost: Loaded with Vitamin C (more than an orange), papaya boosts your defences, helping your body fight infection and keep you strong.

Radiant, Anti-Aging Skin: Antioxidants, such as lycopene and vitamins A, C and E, protect your skin from oxidative damage, contributing to a younger, healthier appearance.

Heart Protected: The fibre, potassium and vitamins present in papaya contribute to maintaining good cardiovascular health, regulating blood pressure and reducing cholesterol.

Natural anti-inflammatory: Its active compounds give it anti-inflammatory properties, useful for relieving joint and muscle pain.

Creative Ways to Enjoy

The versatility of papaya goes far beyond eating it fresh. Papaya is a very versatile fruit that easily adapts to different lifestyles and food preferences. It can be enjoyed on its own, in smoothies, salads, bowls or even as part of more elaborate recipes, both sweet and savoury. It is suitable for all ages, from toddlers to seniors, and fits perfectly into nutritional plans focused on energy, vitality or cholesterol control.

Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your routine:

In Smoothies and Smoothies: Combine with other fruits and vegetables for a nutritious and energising breakfast.

In Tropical Salads: Add papaya chunks to your green salads for an exotic and sweet touch.

Marinade for Meats: Papain is excellent for tenderising meats – a Master Chef trick!

Healthy Desserts: From sorbets to homemade jams, papaya is a delicious base.

Papaya is, without a doubt, a fruit worthy of its heavenly nickname. With its countless health benefits and relative ease of cultivation, it is a valuable addition to your diet.

At CapGen Seeds, we believe in the power of nature to enrich our lives. That’s why we invite you to explore our selection of high quality papaya seeds and start your own tropical adventure. Ready to harvest the ‘fruit of the angels’? Contact us if you have any questions – our team will be happy to help!