Protection against powdery mildew
Rijk Zwaan’s Lt Defense varieties provide intermediate resistance (IR) against powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica or Lt) in sweet and hot pepper cultivation. Our latest breeding advancements ensure that new varieties provide the highest level of protection available. The resistance empowers growers to effectively combat the challenges posed by this disease. Lt Defense is part of Rijk Zwaan’s Defense label.
Harvest the benefits of Lt Defense
Healthier crop
The resistance level slows down potential infections, providing more time to respond and reducing the risks of yield loss.
Extended plastic lifespan
Sulphur affects plastic quality; by using less sulphur to control Leveillula, you also reduce the frequency of plastic replacement, saving costs and contributing to a better environment.
Less chemicals needed
Reduced spraying leads to lower input costs, improved working conditions, greater success in biological pest control, and lower residue levels, aligning better with retail demands.
Improved protectionin newest varieties
The level of resistance is indicated on a scale from 0 (fully resistant) to 6 (fully susceptible). Our latest Lt-Defense generation boasts the highest level of resistance available, scoring between 1 and 2. This advanced resistance provides growers with healthier produce and greater peace of mind. Lt in susceptible varieties
Leveillula taurica (Lt) is a fungus that can only grow on living plant tissue. Spores form on the underside of the leaves and are carried by the air, whether in greenhouses or outdoors. If the spores land on other leaves, they germinate. Lt is difficult to detect at an early stage, which is why it is so easy for the disease to spread unnoticed.
Initially, small light green spots appear on the top side of the leaf. They gradually grow bigger and turn yellow. Eventually, the leaf tissue turns brown and dies. The mycelium grows inside the leaf and forms spores on the underside.
Why growers choose Lt Defense
Leveillula taurica is difficult to detect at an early stage, which is why it is so easy for the disease to spread unnoticed in sweet pepper and hot pepper crops. Growers who choose varieties with an Lt resistance can reduce their use of crop protection agents. The crop is healthier and more productive. There are also lower amounts of residue on the fruits, which is important to retailers. Moreover, using less sulphur is better for the plastic materials in the greenhouse. As a result, Lt Defense gives growers greater peace of mind throughout the crop cycle.
Minimising the risk of spread
It is very important to get each crop cycle off to a hygienic start by destroying all the old plant material. Because the spores can survive for approximately seven days, it is advisable to leave the greenhouse empty for two weeks.
Lt Defense varieties forsweet and hot pepper
Lt Defense varieties protect against powdery mildew and are available in the following pepper segments: Blocky, Hungarian Wax, Dolma, Dulce Italiano, Sivri, Kapya, and Med type hot pepper. The resistance levels may vary among varieties. 
Trials prove theperformance
Lt Defense pepper varieties are less susceptible to the effects of powdery mildew than standard varieties. Trials have shown that Lt Defense varieties slow down the growth and development of mildew. This not only delays damage to the crop, but also gives growers more time to react to any damage. In the resistant varieties, the production and fruit quality remain stable. More information?
For more information on the Leveillula taurica resistance in our pepper varieties, please contact Heleen van Rijn-Wassenaar or Celine Firet.
For more information about our pepper varieties:
For more information about our pepper varieties:
Heleen van Rijn-Wassenaar
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