Protection against the ToLCNDV
Rijk Zwaan’s Delhi Defense cucumber varieties have intermediate resistance (IR) against the Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV or New Delhi virus), which poses significant production problems for cucumber growers, especially in the Mediterranean region. Resistant varieties like Delhi Defense are part of Rijk Zwaan’s Defense label, offering a solution for growers.
Harvest the benefits of Delhi Defense
Less susceptible
Resulting in a healthier plant with a stable production.
Higher quality fruits
Providing a better product with improved shelf quality.
Minimal symptoms if infected
The strong plants can grow despite the infection, resulting in a limited effect of disease.
New Delhi resistance: a grower's story
Spanish cucumber grower Juan Jose Rodriguez talks to Javier Lopez Rodriguez, Crop Specialist at Rijk Zwaan, about what makes the New Delhi virus such a serious threat, why he opted for a Delhi Defense variety and also about his first-hand experiences with this variety. ToLCNDV in susceptible cucumber varieties
The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is the main source of virus spread both in greenhouses and outdoors. One single whitefly can transmit the virus for weeks and sometimes for its entire lifetime. Moreover, a wide range of host plants are susceptible to the New Delhi virus. As a result, the virus poses a major threat to cucumber production.
While the symptoms of this virus in cucumbers are relatively mild compared to other crops, they are nevertheless serious. The plants continue to grow, but lose much of their productivity. The most common symptom in cucumber crops is yellow mottling, which later turns into severe patchy yellowing and moderate leaf curling.
Minimising the risk of spread
Although resistant cucumber varieties offer a high level of protection, it remains important to minimise the risk of infection. To ensure a healthy crop, growers are advised to choose a Delhi Defense variety, keep the whitefly population down and closely monitor the development of symptoms.
Trials prove theperformance
Trials in greenhouses with a high infection level of the New Delhi virus have demonstrated that the resistant varieties remain healthy, whereas the susceptible varieties in the same greenhouse display clear signs of infection and loss of productivity. Fewer infections occur in Delhi Defense cucumber varieties, but if infections do occur the disease has virtually no symptoms or effects. Moreover, the Delhi Defense varieties are part of Rijk Zwaan’s Blueleaf line of cucumber varieties that have a stronger natural resistance against pests and diseases. More information
Contact Heleen van Rijn-Wassenaar or Celine Firet to find our more about our Delhi Defense cucumber varieties.