Gisela Rodriguez, a researcher, said the new hybrids will guarantee Cuban
food sovereignty and security, by providing farmers with high quality
seeds, to cover in the future all domestic demand, thus cutting down imports.

Rodriguez announced they will continue their studies to create new kinds
that weight around 150-200 grams, as the market demands. She added these
specimens show an increase in their quality, weight and are better adapted
to stand heat and humidity.

She said that due the world climate change, the new varieties should have
a high tolerance to stress caused by raising temperatures.

Also, they are resilient to viruses carried out by white flies that have
caused considerable losses to Cuban crops, and to other damaging organisms
that could be brought from abroad.

There are over 171 researchers working in this institute, which turned 40
years old recently, and they have contributed greatly to Cuban economy
with their work. They have obtained hybrids here of watermelon and pepper
as well, with great acceptance by farmers throughout the country.