Syngenta salads bred for Bremia resistance with benefits
He highlighted that Syngenta is focussed on developing varieties that provide a high level of protection to a range of diseases, including Bremia (Downy mildew), as well as to provide varieties with market leading tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as tipburn.
Although genetic resistance to Bremia races Bl: 1-15 will no longer be stated in the company’s seed catalogues from 1 September this year - in accordance with new guidelines from the International Bremia Evaluation Board (IBEB) - Mr Lees reiterated that it is inherent in all current Syngenta lettuce varieties, along with the new varieties in the pipeline for coming seasons.
“Our breeders are constantly working to identify and develop innovative new salad varieties that combine the essential consumer sales attributes of flavour and shelf-life, along with positive agronomic traits for growers - including a broad-base of Bremia resistance.”
Whilst the IBEB had identified that the more recently nominated strains of Bremia lactucae (Bl: 29-31) appeared more localised and were spreading less quickly than previously nominated races, it was still believed a priority to target and build the necessary resistance into new varieties. “If weather conditions or agronomic practice were to change, there is a risk that a new race could develop more quickly without genetic resistance,” warned Syngenta Field Technical Manager, Pete Saunders.
Bremia Downy Mildew on lettuce
“Furthermore, with many growers operating pan-European businesses and growing the same variety in many locations to assure continuous supply to retailers, it is important to have genetic resistance that can cope with the localised hot-spots of specific strains.”
He cited the new Syngenta Bellagio Green Oak variety, Lettagio, that has been selected to be fully resistant to Bremia strains 1-31, as well as being ideally suited to processing for prepared salad bowls and pillow packs. Crispita, Syngenta’s new and fully commercial frilly baby green lettuce leaf, is also fully resistant to Bremia strains 1-31, making it extremely popular with both growers and consumers for its distinctive sweet taste.
“These new varieties highlight how we can combine the desirable agronomic attribute of Bremia resistance, with the requirements of the processing industry and consumers.”
Mr Saunders added that an effective fungicide strategy also plays a key role in minimising the development and spread of any new strains of Bremia. “Any measures that growers employ to reduce disease pressure, through good agronomy practice and well-timed applications of Revus, will minimise the impact of disease and reduce the risk of the pathogen overcoming genetic resistance,” he advised.
For mor information
Syngenta
Rebecca Stilton
Tel: 01223 883510
[email protected]
Kirsty Gould
Tel: 01223 883501
[email protected]
Christopher Lees
Tel: 01223 883400
[email protected]
