October 19, 2023
At the end of a long growing season, squash appearances matter because consumers demand great looking fruit. That means dark green skin, good sizing, and minimal defects. Diseases, however, threaten perfection and growers need solutions for season-long protection.
To help growers protect their yield potential, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds introduced Zefiros with resistance to four key diseases, among many other agronomic benefits, to provide growers an option with high yield potential. Planting disease-resistant squash varieties is the most economic and effective way to control squash diseases, according to Oklahoma State University.
“For a successful crop, it’s important to choose the right variety that’s well adapted to its environment,” said Jerome Verdier, Global Crop Unit Head, Cucurbit. “Zefiros provides growers with flexibility to provide ease-of-use throughout the season and especially during the busy harvest season.”
Viral Squash Diseases
Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), cucurbit–papaya ringspot potyvirus (PRSV), watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) are some of the most impactful viral diseases that can infect squash. They are transmitted via aphids and can lead to leaf and vine problems, color breaking, and fruit distortion, among other yield-limiting problems.
Many of the diseases can overwinter in weeds, which become attractive to aphids in the spring. With built-in resistance to these key viruses, Zefiros squash provides top-end yield potential and protects plant health.
Disease Activity in Warm Weather
Warmer weather means higher potential for disease or other pests that can limit squash yield. That’s why planting varieties that perform even in rising temperatures is a key choice for squash growers. This leads to stable and reliable harvests and high yield, two hallmarks of the Zefiros squash varieties.
“This variety is nice in warm conditions, in the summer, when the viruses have high pressure,” said Lilian Pradel, product development specialist at Syngenta. “You can keep the same quality of fruit from the beginning to the end with this variety.”
Consistent Size and Quality Improve Harvestability
Consistency in squash size and quality leads to an easier harvest and a better product for consumers. To achieve high-quality fruit requires good plant structure and strong plant health throughout the entire growing season, no matter how (protected or open field) or when it is grown (short or long cycle).
With built in protection with genetic disease resistance, Zefiros is recognized for its performance and consistency. It’s a great fit in open field growing environments to give growers an added layer of protection for plant and fruit quality.
“According to farmers, this variety is one that offers the highest yield,” said Verdier. “It also offers prime quality, both in the field, and once harvested. This kind of product is in high demand among traders.”
Topics
Species
