Bejo lettuce seed varieties go from strength to strength on Bremia races | Available in the UK from Elsoms

On Monday July 1st, the International Bremia Evaluation Board for the EU (IBEB-EU) officially identified another novel race of Bremia in lettuce, BI: 41EU. In 2023, three new races were announced. Bejo lettuce seed varieties with high resistance to BI:29-40EU, are also highly resistant to BI:29-41EU.

The Challenge of Bremia (Downy Mildew)

Bremia, also known as downy mildew (Bremia lactucae), is one of the most destructive diseases in lettuce. The fungus is genetically very variable and mutating frequently, explaining why in two years four new races have been announced.

DESPITE THE IDENTIFICATION OF FOUR NEW BREMIA RACES IN TWO YEARS, NEARLY ALL OF OUR VARIETIES ARE STILL HIGHLY RESISTANT.

Despite the identification of four new Bremia races in two years, nearly all of our varieties are still high resistant. We offer a high resistant portfolio (Bl: 29-41EU) with iceberg, batavia, butterhead, mini romaine and speciality lettuce. This spring knew a high Bremia pressure, due to the wet and relatively warm circumstances. Combined with usual preventative measures, high resistant varieties give a high protection level and a higher opportunity for a successful harvest.

See the full press release here

Collaboration and Future Prospects:

Bejo Seeds operates in more than 30 countries, committed to advancing top-quality vegetable seeds that resonate deeply with our principles. Our collaboration focuses on enduring achievements, fostering enduring partnerships with customers instead of prioritizing short-term gains.

In partnership with Bejo, we collaborate closely with growers and associates to support promising initiatives and discover the limitless potential of nature.

Their substantial investment in research and development drives continuous improvement, enabling us to lead with innovations. By remaining at the forefront of modern breeding methods and actively exploring emerging technologies, Bejo develops seeds with enhanced attributes beneficial to growers and the entire supply chain.

“I am delighted to introduce our portfolio of lettuce varieties tailored for British growers. Our ongoing collaboration and strong partnership with Bejo Seeds has allowed us to bring forth a brilliant selection that showcases high resistance to the latest Bremia strains. Our growers can rest easy knowing our salads varieties are as reliable as they come.  We look forward to continuing to support and innovate alongside Bejo Seeds to meet the evolving needs of our growers across the UK.” – Lisa Tokelove, salads crop manager at Elsoms.

---

Bremia Resistance Tables

Jul-24 Iceberg

Variety	Type	Old resistance notation	New resistance notation	NEW Resistance 2024
Bertrice	Iceberg	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU
Charlice	Iceberg	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU
Cherice	Iceberg	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU
Eunice	Iceberg	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU
Times	Iceberg	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU

---

Speciality Lettuce

Variety	Type	Sub-type	Old resistance notation	New resistance notation	NEW Resistance 2024
Lilybel	Batavia	Green	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU
Cascabel	Batavia	Dark Green	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU
Civic	Lollo Rossa	Double Red	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU
Solos	Lollo Rossa	Triple Red	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU
Biondonna	Lollo Biondi	Green	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU
Malis	Butterhead	Green	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU
Oakland	Oak Leaf	Double Red	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU
Oakus	Oak Leaf	Triple Red	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU
Pleasance	Oak Leaf	Green	16-37 EU	29-40 EU	29-41 EU

---

View the full portfolio here

For more information, or to secure your seed order for the coming season, contact our crop specialist Lisa Tokelove.