Enza Zaden has released four new iceberg lettuce varieties with Intermediate Resistance (IR) to the Nr. 1 biotype of Nasonovia ribisnigri, commonly known as the lettuce aphid. This pest has been a challenge for growers, damaging crops through sap extraction and virus transmission, which can lead to distorted leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields. With the gradual phase-out of chemical pesticides in the European Union, growers have had limited options for control.
© Enza Zaden
The Nr. 1 biotype, first identified in 2007, overcame earlier resistance mechanisms (Nr. 0) and has since posed risks to lettuce cultivation. The new Enza Zaden varieties combine IR to Nr:1 with Full Bremia resistance (BL:29-41) and High Resistance (HR) to Nr:0.
© Enza Zaden
According to the company, the varieties are designed to help reduce pesticide applications and maintain crop quality under stricter standards for aphid tolerance. Enza Zaden's Product Manager for Iceberg in Europe, Paul Huijs, noted: "With Nasonovia Nr:1 resistance, protection starts from within. Enza Zaden is among the first to offer iceberg varieties with a complete protection package, which offer producers a valuable tool to reduce aphid pressure in integrated production cycles. By combining built-in resistance with aphid control tools such as crop protection solutions, our Nr:1 (IR) resistant varieties support growers with a more complete and sustainable strategy against Nasonovia, giving them confidence that their crops can meet retailer and processors standards, even as tolerance for aphid presence tightens."
© Enza Zaden
The company will present the new varieties during its annual Discovery Field Days, where growers and partners can observe how the genetics perform under field conditions. The demonstrations will show how the resistance package, including IR Nr:1, HR Nr:0, and Full Bremia resistance, functions in practice.
For more information:
Enza Zaden
Tel: +31 (0) 228-350100
Email: [email protected]
www.enzazaden.com
