Parlando is a mid-early June-bearing variety developed within Fresh Forward’s high-chill substrate breeding programme. The variety is suited to early substrate cultivation with planting dates ranging from late December to the end of April. Parlando stands out for its excellent and very uniform fruit quality, combined with high yields and good disease tolerance.

Flowering and harvesting period

Parlando ripens mid-early, a few days later than Malling Centenary. Compared with Malling Centenary, Parlando starts its production more gradually but continues for a longer period. The even distribution of flower trusses results in an extended harvesting window with consistent fruit size and consequently high yields.

Fruit quality

The berries are long and conical in shape with an intense red colour. Parlando distinguishes itself through excellent fruit set throughout the cultivation period, resulting in a high percentage of Class 1 fruit. Its flavour profile is characterised by a good sweet-acid balance combined with a pleasant strawberry aroma, closely resembling the taste profile of Elsanta. Parlando produces firm berries, making the variety highly suitable for longer distribution chains.

Productivity

The first open-field trials with Parlando were conducted in 2022. The initial results were promising, showing that the variety tends to perform better on “younger” soils without a previous strawberry history. Even in open-field conditions, Parlando stands out for its distinctive characteristics: its open plant habit and excellent fruit quality. In terms of positioning, Parlando is suitable for early open-field production, both under tunnels and in uncovered cultivation. During periods of high temperatures, some sunburn may occur due to the open crop structure and long trusses..

Pest and disease susceptibility

Parlando shows good tolerance to Phytophthora cactorum and powdery mildew. In practice, no problems are expected with either disease when preventive treatments are applied during both propagation and cultivation.