Thriving Cucumber Crops with the magic of Blue Leaf
Plants can vary in their ability to fend off diseases and pests. At Rijk Zwaan, we're experts at breeding for cucumber plants with a natural strong resistance. You can spot them by the Blue Leaf label. These unique cucumbers feature dark blue-green leaves, thanks to extra chlorophyll, promoting longevity in your cucumber crop. For instance, they exhibit delayed yellowing in the event of an infection with the cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV).
The magic of Blue Leaf…
Elevates photosynthetic activity
Blue Leaf varieties boast greener leaves, thanks to extra chlorophyll. This abundance helps them utilize light more efficiently during the cultivation period, promoting a healthier assimilation process in the plant.
Optimizes crop resilience
A green crop is more active and is therefore better able to cope with climate changes and attacks of diseases and pests.
Extends the growing season
The plants maintain better health and prolonged productivity due to increased root strength and an improved vegetative/generative balance.
Blue-green colouringof the leaves
- This is the most striking aspect of a Blue Leaf variety, which also makes it visibly different from other varieties. Resulting in:
- The crop remaining green for longer in the case of an outbreak of the yellowing virus (CYSDV).
- Slower to succumb to diseases and pests such as fusarium and downy mildew.
- Less attractive to pests like whitefly and thrips.
A variety for every season
Blue Leaf varieties are available in different types and for all seasons. Blue Leaf is available in the following types: Long - Slicer - Mini - Midi - Gherkin. Our newest Blue Leaf varieties are even combined with different resistances, giving your crop the best protection there is, such as our standard resistances against CVYV and powdery mildew. We have also combined Blue Leaf together with our Bon Defense (resistance against CGMMV) and For Defense (resistance against fusarium) to help you achieve top results.
New standardfor all cucumber growers
Rijk Zwaan has developed Blue Leaf varieties tailored to meet the demands of every season and production region. Whether you prefer Long English, Slicer, Mini, or Gherkin, our Blue Leaf varieties are available for different types of cucumbers. Take your crop management to new heights and select a Blue Leaf variety! More information
Keen to know more about our Blue Leaf cucumber varieties? Please contact Heleen van Rijn-Wassenaar or Celine Firet.