On Monday July 1st, the International Bremia Evaluation Board for the EU (IBEB-EU) officially identified another novel race of Bremia in lettuce, BI:41EU. In 2023, three new races were announced. Bejo lettuce varieties with a high resistance to BI29-40EU, are also highly resistant to BI:29-41EU. Contact your crop specialist for more information about our varieties and their resistances.
Bremia, also known as downy mildew (Bremia lactucae), is one of the most destructive diseases in lettuce. The fungus shows significant genetic variability and mutates frequently, explaining why four new races have emerged within a span of two years.
DESPITE THE IDENTIFICATION OF FOUR NEW BREMIA RACES IN TWO YEARS, NEARLY ALL OF OUR VARIETIES ARE STILL HIGHLY RESISTANT.
Despite the identification of four new Bremia races in two years, nearly all of our varieties are still highly resistant. We offer a high resistance portfolio (Bl: 29-41EU) with iceberg, batavia, butterhead, mini romaine and specialty lettuce. This spring increased the Bremia pressure, due to the wet and relatively warm circumstances. Combined with usual preventative measures, highly resistant varieties give a higher protection level and greater opportunity for a successful harvest.
Our local crop specialists are happy to explain more about our varieties and their resistances. For each variety the new resistance package is displayed on our local websites.
