New race Bremia lactucae (Bl:36EU) officially named

New official strain

This new race of the Bremia pathogen (Bremia lactucae, Bl) has been identified in recent years; Bl:36EU was first found in Germany in 2016 and has been detected in recent years throughout Europe (France, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland and Scandinavia).

IBEB

The International Bremia Evaluation Board (IBEB) is a joint initiative of lettuce breeding companies in USA, France and the Netherlands, the University of California-Davis, the Dutch inspection service (Naktuinbouw) and the French National Seed Station (GEVES). IBEB’s mission is to identify new races of Bremia lactucae that pose a significant threat to the American and European lettuce industry and promote the use of standardized race names in communications with growers. 

The race identification and nomination is done by regional IBEB committees specific to each continent. For more information see the ISF website. 

Protection against Bremia

Rijk Zwaan's lettuce program offers a wide range of varieties that are resistant to Bl:36EU, other officially designated strains and, in many cases, regionally occurring isolates. We recommend growers who wish to receive the latest information on variety performance and Bremia to contact their representative. 

Pesticides and hygiene measures are also important to prevent the development of new Bremia races. Good hygiene practices and the removal of diseased plants reduce the spread of Bremia in crops. 

Further information about Bl:36EU can be found in the official Plantum press release (https://www.plantum.nl/) or can be obtained from your Rijk Zwaan representative.