Field-production of new downy mildew resistant basil varieties has yielded positive results, which researchers believe promises the herb-industry some much-needed relief from this debilitating disease. These commercially viable downy mildew resistant (DMR) varieties were developed by a team at Rutgers University in New Jersey, spearheaded by Dr. Jim Simon, professor of plant biology. The development was further supported by herb pioneers Ed Van Drunen of Van Drunen Farms and Charlie Coiner. Seeds for these DMR varieties are now available from select seed distributors or VDF Specialty Seeds.
Over the past year, these DMR varieties have undergone field trials with the intent to ensure efficacy and viability. The varieties are named Rutgers Devotion DMR, Rutgers Obsession DMR, Rutgers Thunderstruck DMR, and Rutgers Passion DMR. “At a time when consumer demand for basil is at an all-time high the industry cannot afford to suffer increasing loss due to downy mildew,” says Coiner. “These varieties come at a fortuitous time for growers and the past year’s production and trials prove these varieties yield big when not sick with downy mildew.”
In the 2018 season, Van Drunen Farms planted and harvested hundreds of acres of Rutgers Downey Mildew Resistant (DMR) basil, reporting significant increases in organic and conventional basil yield. “We saw a 194 percent increase in organic and a 15 percent in conventional,” reports David Van Drunen, VDF Specialty Seeds Manager. “We expect 2019 yields of conventional to increase 50 percent since all of the 2018 trials were not able to be harvested.”
Harvest quality and cost reduction were other important aspects, it noted. “Leaf quality of the DMR varieties was exceptional with a decrease in leaf damage, spotting, and yellowing,” says Van Drunen.
Full field trials were also performed in Hawaii and other U.S. states in 2018, evaluating the resistance levels of DMR commercial basil varieties marketed by VDF Specialty Seeds. The University of Hawaii’s Cooperative Extension concluded that considering resistance, flowering, and size, the Rutgers Devotion DMR and Rutgers Obsession DMR varieties are a solution to downy mildew issues facing field basil production in Hawaii.
The Rutgers DMR varieties were awarded a U.S. patent on Christmas Day 2018. “How appropriate for the Herb of Love,” says Coiner.
Seeds are available now through select distributors or ordered directly online through VDF Specialty Seeds’ website.
For more information:
Van Drunen Farms
www.vdfspecialtyseeds.com