Brassicas, Broccoli Stems, and Bots: What I Saw at the Seminis Field Day
On May 21st, I attended the Brassica Leafy Field Day hosted by Seminis at their San Juan Bautista Research Station. It was a full day of field tours, ag tech demonstrations, and conversations about what the future of leafy greens and brassicas might look like, from genetics to harvest automation.
This article highlights what stood out.
Broccoli, Reimagined
Seminis is doing more than breeding broccoli - they’re rethinking how it’s grown, harvested, and even eaten. One highlight was a taller broccoli variety designed for mechanical harvest, aimed at increasing harvest efficiency.
We also got a front-row look at an automated broccoli harvester, developed by a U.S.–Netherlands engineering team. The harvester uses advanced vision and machine learning to detect and cut market-ready broccoli heads, assess for defects, and determine harvest readiness in real time. It moves faster than a typical hand crew, representing a significant leap forward in labor efficiency. While still early in commercial deployment, the technology is already being piloted by select growers with plans to expand.
Efforts to reduce crop waste were also front and center. Broccoli stems—often left in the field and tilled under—are sweeter and more nutrient-rich than florets. New ideas like turning stems into chips, slaws, or snacks could unlock new markets and maximize each plant’s value.
Lettuce Varieties for the Real World
Disease resistance remains the top priority, particularly with challenges like INSV (Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus) persisting in the Salinas Valley and beyond. We previewed a range of iceberg, Batavia, and hybrid varieties developed with growers, shippers, and foodservice in mind.
One standout was a crisp, sweet iceberg-romaine cross that holds up well on burgers and in wraps. Another was a high-yielding variety with strong resistance to fusarium and downy mildew, ideal for consistent performance and reduced field loss. Breeding efforts increasingly reflect supply chain needs, not just field performance.
Spinach That Sells Itself (Almost)
The spinach discussion highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing disease resistance with the appearance and texture that consumers expect. Dark green leaves still signal health at retail, but that perception doesn’t always translate into sales. The takeaway: there’s room for better storytelling and stronger coordination between seed companies, growers, and marketers.
Beneficial Bugs and Biocontrol
The Parabug team showcased their drone-based insect release system, precision-applied biocontrol at scale. With rising labor costs and the demand to reduce pesticide inputs, this was a perfect example of a solution that supports both profitability and sustainability. The team also emphasized a renewed interest in beneficial insects, with modern delivery tools making them more viable than ever.
Data, Drones, and AI Forecasting
Drone imagery and AI tools are beginning to forecast yield and crop readiness in crops like broccoli and spinach. These technologies, like Polybee's, support early issue detection, improve harvest timing, and help refine field planning.
Final Takeaways
The future of brassica production is being shaped by three key themes:
Technology: from robotic harvesters to drone-delivered insects.
Waste Reduction: exploring whole-plant utilization and market innovations.
Sustainability: aligning innovation with grower economics and environmental goals.
Thanks to the Seminis team and their partners for hosting such an organized and insightful event. It’s clear that innovation isn’t just happening in the lab, it’s taking root in the field.
