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Syngenta Flowers to collaborate with McLeod Valley on begonia genetics

Syngenta Flowers announced it has entered a global breeding collaboration with McLeod Valley Greenhouses of Whitecourt, Alta., to work exclusively to breed and develop Begonia genetics.

“McLeod Valley’s breeding is truly cutting edge and sets a strong foundation for Syngenta’s continued growth in the Begonia class,” said Mark Schermer, global head of Syngenta Flowers.  “We are so excited to take this next step to represent this breed worldwide with Cathy Knoblauch and Grant McDonald of McLeod Valley Greenhouses. Cathy Knoblauch’s vision for the potential of this genus, and her accomplishments thus far, bring much excitement to Syngenta Flowers and our customers.

According to the press release, the new collaboration with McLeod Valley will support Syngenta Flowers’ strategic ambition to grow and transform the vegetative Begonia category.

“We are delighted to be working with the dedicated and professional team at Syngenta Flowers.  We look forward to many years of collaborative efforts to bring to the market a range of easy-to-grow, versatile and beautiful new Begonia hybrids,” said Cathy Knoblauch, owner of McLeod Valley Greenhouses.

This collaboration on vegetative breeding will complement the existing seed Begonias at Syngenta Flowers, such as the Tophat Begonia series, launched in 2018. McLeod Valley Greenhouses and Syngenta Flowers aim to launch their first varieties in the coming seasons, as continued research and trialing are completed.