Bergschenhoek, The Netherlands
27 April 2011

Downy mildew is a globally significant disease problem affecting yield and quality in crops. It is common for new Downy Mildew races to develop, and two new occurrences are race Bl:28 in lettuce and race Pfs:12 in spinach. In its continuous efforts to be an innovative and reliable partner to its customers, the current portfolio of Monsanto Vegetable Seeds has resistances present against these new races, with an excellent performance.

Lettuce varieties with Bl:28 resistance

In March 2011 the International Bremia Evaluation Board has identified and nominated a new race Bl:28. An important part of Monsanto’s varieties, such as Seminis Touareg, Kayac and Boomerang, has shown excellent results for the resistance against the new race and these varieties have already been introduced in important lettuce countries such as France, Germany, UK and Italy, as well as in other European countries. For the complete list of products featuring this resistance, please contact a regional sales advisor.

Spinach varieties with Pfs:12 resistance

A new race of downy mildew (Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae) on spinach has been characterized on a set of differential cultivars and has been characterized as race Pfs:12 by the International Working Group on Peronospora farinosa (IWGP). Part of Monsanto’s spinach portfolio has shown excellent results for the resistance against this race. For the complete list of products featuring this resistance, please contact a regional sales advisor.

Monsanto’s Vegetable Seeds Division is focused on innovation to improve the quality and productivity of vegetables. The company develops products that will offer new, healthy choices for consumers. Monsanto invests in research and development and uses the latest technology not only to deliver the best products to the consumer, but also to provide yield and value to the customer, the grower, and to their customers, the chain partners. Monsanto's Vegetable Seeds Division is represented through several brands such as Seminis, De Ruiter Seeds and other regional brands.

Published: April 27, 2011