On 1 July, the European working group of the International Bremia Evaluation Board (IBEB-EU) did not denominate a new race of downy mildew in lettuce. 

Rijk Zwaan is taking the next step in its international growth with the opening of a new subsidiary in South Korea. With this expansion, the international fruit and vegetable breeding company aims to respond more effectively to the rapidly growing demand for high-quality vegetable varieties and to strengthen its service towards local customers.

At the Global Melon & Watermelon Event in Spain, Rijk Zwaan is presenting two new Galuna™ melon varieties that are also resistant against races 6 and 7 of Podosphaera xanthii (Px). These are exciting times for Breeder Alba Garcia Martinez and her team, who have been intensively involved with the varieties over the past years: “We are very eager to hear growers’ reactions. I believe we have succeeded in selecting Galia melon varieties that combine resistance against powdery mildew with vigour while also meeting our high Galuna standards for taste and quality.” In this Q&A, she answers five questions about the journey so far and the path ahead.

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.

Two Galuna™ varieties with Px Defense resistance represent a new solution for melon growers in their battle against powdery mildew. The launch of the new varieties is the result of years-long research, including work by Rijk Zwaan’s Phytopathology Researcher Denis Losdat and Pre-breeder Ingrid Vilmus. Here, they share a glimpse of the complex world of genetic evolution, DNA and markers. “We’re delighted that our research is helping growers to control powdery mildew more naturally.”

Rijk Zwaan is proud to announce the opening of a new open-field breeding station in Mogi Mirim, Brazil. This modern facility marks an important step in the company’s ambition to develop fruit and vegetable varieties tailored to tropical climates. The Breeding Station Mogi Mirim has been operational since August 2024 and was officially opened on 16 June 2026 in the presence of clients, partners, stakeholders and colleagues.

Rijk Zwaan’s new Trial Centre Open Field in the Netherlands, is now officially open. This state-of-the-art facility will enable the fruit and vegetable breeding company to further strengthen both its practical research and its presentation of open-field varieties to customers and value chain partners from around the world.

Professionals from across the melon and watermelon value chain will once again gather at our Experimentation and Development Centre (CED) La Palma in Cartagena, Spain, for the Global Melon & Watermelon Event. The event will include a local week from 22 to 26 June and an international week from 30 June to 2 July.

Members of the brassica family are known for their versatility and nutritional value. With the #embracebrassicas campaign, we’re adding 'element of surprise' to that list. “This world-class crop deserves a place in the spotlight. Together with our chain managers and partners, we will inspire consumers with innovations such as rosé cabbage,” says Christian Spangenberg, Crop Co-ordinator at Rijk Zwaan.