Two new races of Bremia lactucae, Bl: 34EU and Bl: 35EU identified and nominated in Europe

On Monday, July 2nd, the International Bremia Evaluation Board for Europe (IBEB-EU) officially designated two new races of Bremia, Bl:34EU and Bl:35EU, in lettuce. Bremia, also known as downy mildew, is one of the most destructive diseases in lettuce. Therefore it is important for growers to use lettuce varieties that have maximum resistance to this pathogen.

Bejo

All tests on the Bejo lettuce assortment have shown that its commercial varieties with resistance to Bl:16-33EU are also resistant to Bremia Bl:16-35EU.

Gerhard Völkel, Bejo’s Crop Manager for lettuce, says: “Last year we were happy to have Bl:33EU resistance in the most relevant part of our lettuce assortment, and now the same varieties cover those new Bremia races. We will continue breeding for the best possible Bremia resistances as a main focus for the next generation of lettuce varieties.”

Enza Zaden

Our tests confirm that a large part of the Enza Zaden lettuce portfolio is resistant to these new races and also resistant to the full range of Bremia races Bl:16-35EU. We have created a leaflet with an overview of all our lettuce varieties that have this new Bremia resistances. Also the production section on our local websites is updated with this new information.

Read the full press releases from Plantum

Bremia lactucae

Bremia lactucae, causing downy mildew in lettuce, is genetically very variable. Breeders are working together to monitor the changes in the Bremia population in response to the introduction of increased resistances. Enza Zaden offers a wide range of solid varieties with excellent field performance, outstanding post harvest quality and high levels of disease resistance. In combination with your usual preventive treatments, these varieties ensure a high level of protection, leading to a successful lettuce production.

All Enza Zaden lettuce varieties with resistance to Bremia BI:34EU and BI:35EU