New varieties of Syngenta Brussels sprouts are proving better able to cope with effects of climatic changes and provide solutions to severe economic challenges facing growers. With the serious implications of last summer’s heatwave on crops only now becoming apparent, varieties such as the new Nimbus have fared far better in preventing disease and now performing in the packhouse, says Syngenta Technical Sales Manager, Harry Twinberrow.
That’s been particularly evident in other varieties with close button spacing, where disease pressure has been especially high in tightly packed leaves. “Varieties with good disease resistance such as Nimbus, Martinus and Trimstar, have really stood out for yield and quality of buttons,” he reports.
Independent variety trials by the Allium & Brassica Centre have shown Martinus and Trimstar were two of the best overall for gross yield; marketable yield and disease tolerance. Now, with the rapidly shifting trend to greater climatic extremes, the resilience of varieties to cope will be an ever-increasing factor in growers’ choice, Harry stated.
With Brussels sprouts being one of the highest nitrogen input brassica crops, any improvement in nutrient efficiency could deliver valuable savings for growers, especially at today’s fertiliser costs, he suggests. Improved nitrogen utilisation and reduced waste, combined with higher marketable yields, will also benefit the crop’s carbon footprint.
Source: en.krishakjagat.org