Second generation herb varieties offer reliability to whole chain

Enza Zaden recently introduced new basil, parsley and arugula varieties with resistance to Downy Mildew. These ‘second generation’ varieties offer reliability and consistency for growers, retailers and consumers. “Due to the disease resistance the varieties are more stable to produce. The risk of crop-failure and/or lack of quality is less. This means a steady constant supply of the end product throughout the chain,” says Klemens Holz, Portfolio Manager at Enza Zaden.

The Portfolio Manager refers to the new varieties as the herb varieties of the ‘second generation’: varieties that still have attractive colour and good flavour, yet at the same time ensure a more reliable production, better shelf life and extended quality at consumers’ homes. They are ‘so to speak’ a bit more forgiving in conditions that are not ideal, which is the case predominantly in the sales channel and at consumers’ homes.

Hillary Alger, Product Manager Herbs, Flowers, Fruit, Farm at Seed Johnny's Selected Seeds:

''Our primary goal at Johnny’s is to contribute to the success of our customers. Enza Zaden is a valued partner in that goal. Their leading work in herb breeding for disease resistance provides a great advantage, through improved field performance, while not compromising on flavor or plant appearance (of herbs grown both in the open field and in pots). We value and share Enza Zaden’s commitment to excellence and quality.''

A significant disease affecting herb and arugula production negatively is Downy Mildew. Within this second generation of herbs varieties Enza Zaden has developed ‘Eleonora’, the first basil variety that is resistant to Downy Mildew. Holz: “For parsley, we have released the varieties ‘Fidelio’ and ‘Peione’ and for arugula ‘E13R.3007’, ‘E13R.8011’, ‘Bellezia’ and ‘Letizia’, which are also varieties resistant to this disease.” Another significant disease that Enza Zaden breeds for in basil is Fusarium. “Elidia is our first commercial basil variety for outdoor and pot growing that is resistant to Fusarium.”

To indicate these second generation herb varieties Enza Zaden has developed a quality mark, called ‘Resistance Makes The Difference”. Holz: “With this quality mark we can indicate these varieties to our customers. In that way they know immediately which varieties have these special characteristics."

At the Fruit Logistica Enza Zaden is to present the second generation herb varieties and the new quality mark at their booth (Hall 1.2, Booth C-09).

For more information 

P.O. Box 7

1600 AA Enkhuizen

The Netherlands

T: +31(0)228 350 191+31(0)228 350 191

C: +31 (0)6 55 68 44 11+31 (0)6 55 68 44 11