Ludeking, D.J.W.

English

Wageningen Yield 

14
FEEDING THE WORLD 
PLANT BREEDING
Responding to cultivation threats with high-tech horticulture 
By Daniel Ludeking, Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture
Plant breeders are working hard to prevent 
major problems in the cultivation of greenhouse 
vegetables.  All their activities and vision 
on cultivation is focused on the prevention 
of crop losses caused by plant pathogens 
such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. 
RijkZwaan presented a range of ideas, based upon the
company’s work on preventing and suppressing plant
pathogen symptoms in tomato, cucumber and lettuce.
Protocol for healthy seed
After the ﬁrst outbreak of the bacteriological disease Clavibacter 
michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in tomato in 2006, a committee 
of plant breeding companies was formed to prevent a second
outbreak of this highly infectious disease by improving the
propagation chain. This has led to a solid approach to managing 
the risks of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in
the tomato propagation and production chain by a Good Seeds 
and Plant Practices (GSPP) hygiene protocol and a GSPP certiﬁcate
for seeds propagated according to the GSPP standard.
Virus in cucumber
Cucumber is grown in many countries, in different varieties 
and under various conditions. RijkZwaan has launched two
concepts to suppress pathogen symptoms: Blue leaf (promotion 
of chlorophyll and suppression of yellowing) and BonDefence 
(highly resistant varieties to Cucumber Green Mild Mosaic Virus 
(CGMMV)). The breeder stresses that suppression of symptoms 
is not a cure for the disease. As varieties show symptoms if the 
pressure of virus particles is high, risk awareness and attention for 
hygiene during cultivation and crop change remain important.
Cultivation on water
Growers cultivating lettuce in soil are facing new challenges.
Examples include the demands by supermarkets for lower 
residue levels of plant protection products (PPP) than laid down
by law, reducing the risk of chemical contaminants from the 
soil , new regulations on phosphorus and nitrogen emissions to
surface water, and consumer demands for sustainable products.
Cultivation of lettuce on water might offer a solution. This system 
makes it possible to grow a residue-free product, to use water
efﬁcient, to prevent emission of water and nutrients to sewage
system or surface water, and to decrease labour costs.
Many small steps 
The chain has to overcome the abovementioned threats and new 
techniques in seed production, plant breeding and cultivation might 
provide the answers. The combination of numerous small steps 
can help to produce a healthy and sustainable high quality crop.
Partner in this seminar: RijkZwaan and Horti Alliance


Plant breeding: Responding to cultivation threats with high-tech horticulture

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