Protection against cotton aphids
Ag Defense melon varieties have a high and natural resistance against the Cotton Aphid. While the Cotton Aphid itself may not be the primary issue, it becomes problematic as a vector for various viruses. The Cotton Aphid transmits viruses from plant to plant.
Melon varieties with Ag Defense are unattractive to the Cotton Aphid, causing these aphids to avoid these plants. As a result, they multiply significantly less on the resistant plants.
Harvest the benefits of Ag Defense
Reduced risk of potyviruses
Although cotton aphids themselves are not particularly harmful to melon plants, they can transmit very harmful viruses, especially the potyviruses PRSV, WMV and ZYMV. These viruses pose a serious threat to crops. The natural resistance against cotton aphids in the Ag Defense varieties reduces the transmission of these viruses.
Healthier crop - higher yield
The Ag Defense varieties offer greater protection against damage from the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii and the viruses spread by these aphids. As a result, melon growers can optimise their integrated pest management. Additionally, Ag Defense contributes to healthier and more sustainably produced plants and fruits since less corrective action is necessary.
Better working conditions
Fewer cotton aphids mean less honeydew, which in turn improves working conditions. Plants will be cleaner and less sticky from the honey dew. This will also keep fruit cleaner, so the post-harvest process will be easier.
Trials prove the performance
Melon varieties with Ag Defense remain healthier than ones without this resistance against the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii. This has been proved both in trials and commercial production in greenhouses and open-field crops with high potyvirus infection levels. The resistant varieties remain healthier, while susceptible varieties in the same greenhouse or field become infected and suffer production problems.Rijk Zwaan’s Ag Defense line comprises varieties of a number of melon types that have effective natural protection against the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii. This aphid transmits the harmful potyviruses PRSV, WMV and ZYMV. Resistant varieties help growers in their battle against these viruses. Ag Defense is part of Rijk Zwaan’s Defense label.
Why growers choose Ag Defense
The Ag Defense varieties offer greater protection against damage from the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii and the viruses spread by these aphids. As a result, melon growers can optimise their integrated pest management. Additionally, Ag Defense contributes to healthier and more sustainably produced plants and fruits since less corrective action is necessary. Fewer cotton aphids mean less honeydew, which in turn improves working conditions.
Damage caused by the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii
All cucurbits are susceptible to potyviruses. The cotton aphid Aphis gossypii is a vector of these viruses. The various types of potyviruses cause similar symptoms.
The cotton aphids feed on the plants and suck out the sap, causing leaves to curl downwards and become distorted. Aphid damage weakens the plants and can have a negative impact on both the quality and quantity of fruits. The honeydew (sugar-rich liquid) excreted by the aphids makes the plants sticky, increasing the likelihood of sooty mould (black mildew) developing on the leaves.
The continued importance of monitoring
The introduction of Ag Defense melon varieties with resistance against cotton aphids offers extra protection. However, it remains important to minimise the risk of infection since some cotton aphids may still be present. Therefore, even after choosing an Ag Defense variety, it is advisable to keep the cotton aphid population down and to monitor the crop for symptoms.
Melon types with Ag Defense
Rijk Zwaan offers a wide range of melon types with this resistance. These melon varieties are indicated by the Ag Defense label. Varieties of the following types are available: Charentais, Galia, Canteloupe (Harper), Piel de Sapo, Supermarket (Eastern shipper) and Yellow honey dew.Do you need more information about our melon varieties? Please contact:
