News - 31-05-2018
New Px Defense resistance adds value for melon growers
For the upcoming season, Rijk Zwaan will introduce two new Galia melon varieties in the Galuna™ line under the Px Defense label. This label is used exclusively for the new, extended resistance against powdery mildew, including races 6 and 7. This unique resistance spectrum helps growers cultivate healthier crops and offer their customers high quality, sustainably produced melons. “Melon growers across the Mediterranean have been waiting for this,” say members of the Spanish team of melon specialists, who were closely involved in this innovation.
How significant is the problem of powdery mildew for melon growers in Mediterranean countries?
Bernardo Cuenca Bono, Crop Co-ordinator Melon & Watermelon: “Powdery mildew is a major fungal disease affecting all types of melons. It is continuously evolving. The emergence of the new Px races 6 and 7 have caused considerable difficulties in the Mediterranean area since 2022. Powdery mildew is difficult to control and requires ongoing treatment. The disease affects leaves and stems, reducing the plant’s photosynthetic capacity and ultimately leading to lower-quality fruits due to lack of sugars.”
Why is Px Defense valuable for growers?
Juan Francisco Martinez, Crop Specialist Melon: “The new intermediate resistance is valuable because growers have limited ways of controlling powdery mildew. There are fewer and fewer chemical options. At the same time, growers want to offer their customers sustainably grown melons with minimal residues. The natural resistance provided by Px Defense helps them achieve exactly that.”
Which varieties with Px Defense are available in the coming season?
David Parra Soler, Project Leader Melon & Watermelon: “Growers can choose between two Galia melon varieties with Px Defense in our high quality Galuna line: 34 GL0186 RZ and 34 GL0188 RZ. Px Defense includes resistance against races 2, 3, 3.5, 5, 6 and 7. The varieties are intended for late summer crops and are comparable to our variety Galuna Hiron RZ.”
How have growers reacted to Px Defense so far?
Juan: “Very positively. For growers, Px Defense means more effective pest management, higher fruit quality and more reliable yields of sustainably produced melons. Intermediate resistance does not mean they can stop managing powdery mildew altogether, but thanks to Px Defense they are far better protected and can significantly reduce the number of treatments required.”
How was Px Defense tested in field trials?
Bernardo: “The Px Defense varieties have been extensively trialled, both at our own facilities and in selected growers’ fields. Besides assessing yield, uniformity, quality and reliability, we also validated the resistance. The difference between varieties with and without broad Px Defense resistance is crystal clear. Growers can visit the trial fields and see the difference for themselves during the Global Melon & Watermelon Event in Week 27.”
What are the next steps?
David: “In the coming years, we will develop more varieties with Px Defense – not only in our complete Galuna line, but also for other melon types.”