The Rijk Zwaan spinach assortment makes an impression

Need for clear and accurate information

According to Rijk Zwaan, the fact that there are multiple Stemphylium species that cause leaf spots on spinach can lead to confusion about the different resistance levels. "Some spinach growers are now at their wits end and are very concerned about the development of this disease. This creates an urgent need for clear and accurate information," says Wim in 't Groen, Crop Coordinator Spinach at Rijk Zwaan.

Severe infection

In fresh market and processing spinach fields, Stemphylium vesicarium is now the most commonly found pathogenic Stemphylium species in most areas of production, causing infection in susceptible spinach varieties. To learn more about this plant disease, a group of researchers affiliated with Washington State University and led by Professor Lindsey du Toit started a new study of this fungal disease in 2019.

Promising preliminary results Rijk Zwaan spinach varieties

Du Toit is no stranger to this field as her program has conducted several studies of Stemphylium in the past. Her most recent and ongoing research shows that a number of Rijk Zwaan varieties have a clearly visible high resistance level to Stemphylium vesicarium. This finding comes as no surprise to Rijk Zwaan, but it does contribute to much-needed clarity on this subject according to the vegetable breeding company. 

More information available 

Due to the fact that the study is still running, the final results will not be published for some time. Spinach growers who would like to receive information about the varieties involved in the research, before then can contact Rijk Zwaan's spinach crop specialists.

Resistant spinach varieties

The extensive Rijk Zwaan spinach catalogue already contains a sheer amount of spinach varieties with a high resistance level to Stemphylium vesicarium. Due to the company's focus and prioritisation in its spinach R&D programme, this range will continue to expand in the coming years. Some of the well-known Rijk Zwaan names with high resistance are the savoy varieties SUNANGEL RZ F1 and CABEZON RZ F1, and the smooth-leaf variety KODIAK RZ F1. 

R&D

The development of resistances is one of the priorities in Rijk Zwaan's R&D programme. On average, the vegetable breeding company invests approximately 30% of its turnover back into R&D. A substantial part of this is spent on the development of resistances against both new and existing plant diseases. As a result, Rijk Zwaan not only eases the burden on its partners, but also contributes to a more sustainable food chain with less waste and more efficiency.

Spinach affacted by Stemphylium vesicarium: 

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Source and Photo Courtesy of Rijk Zwaan

Source: Rijk Zwaan