After nearly a decade’s worth of research and breeding efforts Rutgers Downy Mildew Resistant (DMR) sweet basils are now available to commercial growers with seed for homeowners and gardeners becoming available in 2019. Since 2007, when basil downy mildew (BDM) was first identified in FL, the disease has caused significant economic losses to commercial basil growers throughout the United States, and has made growing sweet basil in the backyard garden nearly impossible. Since 2009, Rutgers has been working diligently to identify and breed downy mildew resistance into commercially-acceptable sweet basils that have the correct aromas, essential oils, and flavors. The first of these three new DMR sweet basils are now available through VanDrunen Farm Specialty Seed (VDFSS) located in Thermal, CA and Momence, IL. Each of the new Rutgers DMR sweet basils have their own unique characteristics which can be matched to meet grower needs.
Rutgers Obsession DMR: A sweet basil for field or potted plant production; will also make an excellent edible landscape plant; more compact, slower growth than Devotion DMR and Thunderstruck DMR, high leaf-to-stem ratio – good for small bunches or small size clam shells, dark green, thick, glossy leaves, flowers form late; and highly resistant to Fusarium wilt.
Rutgers Devotion DMR: A Genovese-type sweet basil for field production for fresh markets; establishes quicker than Obsession DMR with uniform, upright growth, dark, green color with flat to cup-shaped leaves.
Rutgers Thunderstruck DMR: A sweet basil with high yields needed for processing- and fresh-market production; quick establishment and fast, upright growth with medium-sized, ruffled leaves with a bright green color.