New variety joins Stampede in offering enhanced protection against thrips-transmitted virus that has significantly impacted Salinas Valley production
Syngenta Vegetable Seeds has launched Renegade, a new romaine lettuce variety with high resistance to Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV).
Renegade joins fellow Syngenta variety Stampede, which has been reclassified from intermediate to high INSV resistance, in the group’s romaine portfolio.
INSV has significantly impacted romaine lettuce production in California’s Salinas Valley in recent years.
The virus, transmitted by thrips, causes rapid yield loss and unmarketable produce.
Crop losses in the Salinas Valley reached an estimated US$150mn at peak infection levels, Syngenta said, threatening the stability of grower operations.
“Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is proud to deliver a romaine lettuce programme with the best-in-class product solutions tailored to growers needs,” said breeder Melaku Mekonnen.
”Our romaine lettuce portfolio now features high resistance to INSV, which represents a significant breakthrough for Salinas Valley growers, where disease pressure demands enhanced protection.”
The group said that Renegade marked its latest investment in giving romaine growers the tools they need to stay ahead of disease pressure and changing growing conditions.
Its planting window from 1 April through 31 August makes it well-suited for growers managing production through the summer season, Syngenta said, while its strong bolting tolerance aids against heat stress and the unpredictable conditions of the summer growing season.
Like Stampede, Renegade is bred as a multipurpose variety suited for fresh market and processing applications.
Both varieties also share ”one of the most comprehensive disease resistance packages available in commercial romaine”, Syngenta outlined, with high resistance not only to INSV but also to multiple races of Downy Mildew, including Race 10, and to Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus (TBSV).
“Renegade was developed by working hand in hand with growers and validating performance through independent trials with organisations like UC Agriculture and Natural Resources,” said Justin Goodwyn, product specialist, LBO, West US.
”Salinas Valley growers need varieties they can count on, and Renegade delivers that.”
Nick Barnes, commercial unit nanager, West US, pointed out that the expanded portfolio was a direct reflection of Syngenta’s commitment to growers.
“Persistent disease pressure and high thrip counts remind us every season why this work matters,” said Barnes.
”With Stampede’s resistance classification now confirmed as High Resistance and Renegade joining the portfolio with the same classification, we’re giving growers more options to build resilient, diversified programmes they can count on.
”Syngenta’s investment in INSV-resistant romaine is ongoing, because the challenges growers face are ongoing, and being a true partner means staying ahead of those challenges,” said Barnes.
