Protection against the ToLCNDV virus

Rijk Zwaan’s Delhi Defense Squash varieties protect against infection with the tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV or New Delhi virus). This virus creates lots of production problems for growers, especially in the Mediterranean region. Resistant varieties offer them a solution. Delhi Defense is part of Rijk Zwaan’s Defense label.

Why growers choose Delhi Defense

The New Delhi virus can cause considerable damage to courgette crops because it leads to severe leaf curl and stunted growth. Besides that, it completely stops the plant’s development. Delhi Defense Squash varieties have a strong resistance against this virus, resulting in stable production and higher-quality fruits. Growers need to use fewer crop protection agents, which leads to better working conditions, more sustainable production and interesting sales opportunities. Delhi Defense gives growers greater peace of mind throughout the crop cycle.

ToLCNDV virus in susceptible squash varieties

An infection with the New Delhi virus becomes apparent very suddenly, after which it is often impossible to save the plants. The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is the most important vector of the virus. Since ToLCNDV thrives in hot and humid conditions, it is most prevalent in the summer and autumn.

This plant virus can affect the leaves and fruits at any stage of production, resulting in small, misshapen fruits and ultimately in a lower yield. The New Delhi virus can cause significant damage to squash crops, since most of the affected plants die.

Minimising the risk of spread

Although the Delhi Defense Squash varieties are resistant, they are not 100% protected. In order to minimise the risk of spread, growers are advised to choose a Delhi Defense variety, keep the whitefly population down and closely monitor the development of symptoms in other host plants.