Graf

Engineering approach to yield: Graf cucumber

The breeding work by Evro-Semena in creating the Graf hybrid was focused on addressing the main challenge in industrial and small-scale vegetable growing: environmental instability. The biological architecture of this cucumber is based on a parthenocarpic pollination type. This design eliminates the dependency of productivity on pollinating insect activity, making Graf a versatile tool for both controlled-environment glass greenhouses and open-field cultivation.

Biological defense: pathogen resistance

The agronomic value of this hybrid is defined by its integrated defense system against three aggressive fungal diseases:

• Peronosporosis: The hybrid possesses high resistance to downy mildew, which is critical for successful cultivation in high-humidity open-field conditions.
• Cladosporiosis: Selective breeding has minimized susceptibility to olive spot, maintaining high marketability of the fruit even during significant temperature fluctuations.
• Powdery mildew: Resistance to this pathogen allows for a reduction in chemical load, decreasing the frequency of fungicide applications throughout the growing season.

Adaptability to cultivation conditions

The technical flexibility of Graf is rooted in its physiology. In glass greenhouses, the hybrid demonstrates a predictable response to intensive cultivation technologies, efficiently converting mineral inputs into biomass and fruit. In open ground, the plant exhibits resilience to diurnal temperature swings and short-term moisture stress. The fact that it does not require pollination makes it a reliable choice for regions with variable spring weather, where pollinator activity is often limited.