Syngenta expands romaine portfolio with high resistance to INSV

Syngenta Vegetable Seeds strengthens its commitment to romaine growers with the launch of Renegade , a new romaine lettuce variety with high resistance to Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV). Joining Stampede, which has been reclassified from Intermediate to High INSV resistance, Renegade represents the latest advancement in Syngenta's industry-leading portfolio. Together, Renegade and Stampede give romaine growers two proven options with high resistance to INSV, providing the flexibility to build stronger, more resilient growing programs across conditions and seasons.

"Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is proud to deliver a romaine lettuce program with the best-in-class product solutions tailored to growers needs. Our romaine lettuce portfolio now features high resistance to INSV, which represents a significant breakthrough for Salinas Valley growers, where disease pressure demands enhanced protection," said Melaku Mekonnen, Breeder.

Renegade: The latest addition to Syngenta's INSV-resistant Romaine portfolio
Renegade is Syngenta's latest investment in giving romaine growers the tools they need to stay ahead of disease pressure and changing growing conditions.

A romaine variety purpose-built for Salinas Valley growing conditions, Renegade carries high resistance to INSV. Its planting window from April 1 through August 31 makes it well-suited for growers managing production through the summer season, and its strong bolting tolerance aids against heat stress and unpredictable conditions of the summer growing season.

© SYNGENTARenegade

Like Stampede, Renegade is a multipurpose variety suited for fresh market and processing applications, delivering the consistent, market-ready type that buyers and distributors expect. Both varieties also share one of the most comprehensive disease resistance packages available in commercial romaine, with high resistance not only to INSV but also to multiple races of Downy Mildew, including Race 10, and to Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus (TBSV). Renegade and Stampede lead Syngenta's romaine lettuce portfolio as the first commercially available varieties featuring Race 10 Downy Mildew protection.

With the highly slotted nature of growing lettuce, Stampede and Renegade give growers options, allowing them to match the right variety to the right conditions and reduce reliance on any single solution.

© SYNGENTAStampede

"Renegade was developed by working hand in hand with growers and validating performance through independent trials with organizations like UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. Salinas Valley growers need varieties they can count on, and Renegade delivers that," said Justin Goodwyn, Product Specialist, LBO, West US.

Nick Barnes, Commercial Unit Manager, West US, sees the expanded portfolio as a direct reflection of Syngenta's commitment to growers.

"Persistent disease pressure and high thrip counts remind us every season why this work matters. With Stampede's resistance classification now confirmed as High Resistance and Renegade joining the portfolio with the same classification, we're giving growers more options to build resilient, diversified programs they can count on. Syngenta's investment in INSV-resistant romaine is ongoing, because the challenges growers face are ongoing, and being a true partner means staying ahead of those challenges," said Barnes.

© SYNGENTANick Barnes

INSV and its impact on Romaine production
For decades, the Salinas Valley has been the heart of romaine lettuce production in the United States. INSV has significantly impacted Salinas Valley romaine lettuce production in recent years. The virus, transmitted by thrips, causes rapid yield loss and unmarketable produce. Crop losses in the Salinas Valley reached an estimated $150 million at peak infection levels, threatening the stability of grower operations.

A stronger portfolio for the seasons ahead
Vegetable Seeds is providing romaine growers with the most robust INSV-resistant romaine portfolio available, giving growers the tools, flexibility, and confidence to protect their operations season after season.