Organic growers can depend on Rijk Zwaan’s latest lettuce varieties that have a comprehensive package of Bremia resistances and are robust in stressful conditions. All the newcomers, along with the rest of the range for the organic market, are presented in a new leaflet. Client Manager David Pape highlights some of the most exciting new varieties for him and his customers in southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Impressive green batavia
Faction RZ is a new green batavia lettuce with complete Bremia resistances, which makes it very interesting for organic growers. “Although it’s still in its first commercial season, this open-field variety is already quite impressive. It can be grown from spring to autumn, it has crispy leaves and a closed flat bottom, and it’s strong against bolting and tipburn,” David explains.
Green butterhead with growing power
He is also very enthusiastic about Transpero RZ, a new green butterhead suited for spring and autumn. “It shows strong growing power in these seasons. There is a lot of demand for this full Bremia-resistant variety,” he continues. “It stands out thanks to its shiny green colour and bigger size, plus its perfect head-to-leaves ratio. The Fusarium resistance is also an advantage, because this is becoming a bigger problem.”
Green butterhead for hot summers
Abellina RZ is another new green butterhead with complete Bremia resistances. It is especially suitable for summer plantings. “This variety is strong in hot and stressful conditions, such as day temperatures above 30°C and night temperatures above 20°C. Moreover, it is strong against bolting and also resistant to Fusarium Fol:1,4. This variety gives growers the possibility to keep on producing, even in high temperatures,” states David.
All-round and crispy small cos
The small cos called Rawonder RZ lives up to its name, because it truly is a real wonder according to David: “First of all, it has not only the complete Bremia resistances but also the important Fusarium resistances Fol:1,4 and robustness against bacterial diseases. Secondly, it’s an all-round and flexible variety that can be grown in spring, summer and autumn. Thirdly, the leaves have a nice, crunchy texture that consumers like because of the long shelf life.”
Iceberg with strong root system
Standanas RZ is a new big and strong iceberg for the warmer summer periods. “This variety is slow bolting, has a strong root system and a long harvest window. It is also really strong against brown ribs and tipburn. Even when there’s a lack of nutrition, the plant still produces a big, nicely filled head. Although it lacks one Bremia resistance, it has a natural and strong robustness against this physio,” David explains.
Full Bremia-resistant green and red oak leaf
The green oak leaf variety Kiley RZ is definitely another highlight for the organic market, David states: “It has a complete package of Bremia resistances and can be grown from the first until the last planting. That makes Kiley a super-flexible all-rounder. And because of the wonderful base, no leaves are wasted.”
The red oak leaf Dakarai RZ is another new variety with full Bremia resistances. “Moreover, this has the Fusarium resistance Fol:4 and is a flexible and reliable variety without any problems,” he adds.
Full Bremia-resistant green and red Salanova
In the Salanova® range, Rijk Zwaan’s one-cut-ready lettuce concept that is an interesting niche for organic growers, David is keen to mention the new green Exira RZ and the double red Lumirex RZ. “We introduced them both this year. They have full Bremia resistances and are slow bolting, vigorous and uniform.”
For more information, visit rijkzwaan.com
