The Bulgarian greenhouse producers of cucumbers face many difficulties. Viral diseases are the most serious, threatening the crop and generating large losses. It is one of the most common the green cucumber mosaic (CGMMV). This disease often puts growers at risk of freezing their activities and not being able to plant cucumbers in the affected greenhouse for several years. Therefore, producers find a solution in choosing a suitable hybrid variety, possessing the necessary resistance.
The spread of CGMMV on Bulgarian territory has been increasing in recent years. In places, yield loss can reach over 25%.
Quick and easy infection is due to many factors:
- Contaminated soil or water unsterilized instruments
- Contact between diseased and healthy plants
- Transmission via pollen, rodents, beetles and birds
Unlike common cucumber mosaic, the virus is also transmitted through the seeds themselves for sowing.
The period between infection and the appearance of symptoms is relatively long, making early detection and response difficult. Initial signs are stunted growth and spots on leaves and fruit. They are observed after 2 to 6 weeks (20-30 days after transplanting), and high temperatures (around 30°C) accelerate the development of the disease.
Once infected, the crop is difficult to save. For this reason, a three-year break in planting pumpkin crops is recommended. This, of course, leads to great damage and loss to the producers.
Prevention is the most effective method of combating CGMMV
The greenhouse in Rakovski, Plovdiv region, has been betting on varieties resistant to green cucumber mosaic for 10 years. New, more efficient solutions are constantly being sought. Therefore, in 2023, Syngenta conducted trials with CGMMV-resistant cucumber varieties.
“With the trials of the new varieties, we are looking for a higher resistance to green cucumber mosaic, a serious problem for the production of cucumbers in large greenhouses,” shares Pencho Paunov, sales manager for vegetable seeds at Syngenta. “Our new offerings are tailored to market needs and manufacturer demand.”
Vigo is highly resistant to CGMMV
Of the new offerings, the variety Viggo stands out for its high resistance to CGMMV. During the trials, no signs of the disease were found, proving the effective protection of the crop.
The hybrid is characterized by vigorous growth, a nice habit, large dark green leaves that protect the fruits from scorching. The fruits have an excellent shape, dark green color, slightly ribbed, 30-33 cm in size.
High yield without abortions is another distinguishing feature of Vigo. It is suitable for production in early spring, summer and late autumn. Planting can start from the end of February and continue until the end of August.
Thanks to its excellent combination of resistance to green cucumber mosaic, vigorous growth and high yield, Vigo is among Syngenta’s main offers to Bulgarian cucumber growers.To order seeds cucumber Please contact Syngenta vegetable seed distributors.
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