PSB: A new era in varietal innovation

Historically a stone fruit producer in the Murcia region and also a breeder, PSB is making a major strategic shift by ceasing its production activity. This decision allows PSB to concentrate all its human and material resources on the creation of new varieties, an ambition that deeply drives its co-founder, Stéphane Buffat.

Expansion of the range of flat nectarines

PSB continues to actively develop its range of flat nectarines, already recognized for outstanding varieties such as Luisella, Sekoya, Bachata, Dooly, Canoppe and Tintosa. Thanks to an ambitious program of 40,000 hybridizations over three years, the goal is to offer a range that spans from the beginning of May to the end of September. The selection criteria for the new varieties are strict: impeccable taste quality, firmness and excellent post-harvest conservation, perfect pistil closure; fruit with a good thickness to optimize yield.

Adaptation of apricot varieties to climatic challenges.

In line with its commitment to innovation, PSB invests in the development of varieties adapted to climate change, with reduced winter chilling requirements and better adaptation to summer drought and excessive heat in autumn. The emphasis is on Sharka-tolerant, self-fertile fruits with exceptional flavor to regain consumer confidence and increase consumption. Among the most representative varieties are Nelson, Artisto, Gaspar and Domino.

Late nectarines: a response to market needs

PSB's historical work in nectarines has made it possible to fill a gap in the market with high quality varieties that ripen late, covering the months of August and September. Tenerif, Sidonia, Hawaii, Nefertiti, Tahiti, Chubby and Alegoria are some of the varieties that meet this demand.

New programs: plums, cherry plum and baby plum

PSB is broadening its horizons with a program dedicated to plums, cherryplum and babyplum, with 20,000 hybridizations per year. Japanese and European varieties such as Rossamor, Azulis, Pallatina, BA345-5 and CR18-19 have already emerged. The aim is to develop large-caliber, productive fruits with a guaranteed brix level of 15-16° and self-fertile, a key criterion due to the decrease in pollinating insects as a result of climate change.

As for Cherry-plum and baby-plum, research is focused on varieties with a naturally sweet flavor reminiscent of red or exotic fruits, often with red flesh, and a long post-harvest life. Preservation trials conducted with partners in South Africa and Chile have made it possible to evaluate their shelf life in periods of 20 to 50 days. PSB has already developed commercialized varieties such as Strati 4, Orelys, BA91-16 or Montecarla.

Development of low chilling cherries ("low chilling")

For the past 4 years, PSB has been working on cherry varieties that require low chilling hours (between 200 and 400), an essential criterion for coping with climate change. The aim is to obtain fruit that combine flavor, firmness, shelf life and crispness. The results of PSB crosses and selections will enable the commercialization of new varieties this year.

Seedless table grapes: a promising program

A program initiated five years ago on seedless table grapes is beginning to bear fruit. PSB seeks to offer red, green and black varieties, early or positioned in windows where quality varieties are currently lacking in the market. This year, the first large-scale planting data of selected varieties will be available. With these numerous initiatives, PSB reaffirms its role as a pioneer in fruit hybridization and continues its commitment to offer growers and consumers innovative fruits adapted to the challenges of the future.

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