Syngenta UK Open Days Showcases Strong Veg Seeds Portfolio
This year's Syngenta Open Days centred on the theme: "Yield without Pause: Let our Strong Portfolios do the Heavy Lifting." The message was clear - with robust genetics and proven performance, Syngenta provides the foundation for consistent, year-round yields that drive grower success.
The event achieved record-breaking attendance, welcoming over 240 visitors who explored more than 140 varieties, including 60+ new introductions across the demonstration plots.
Breakthrough Broccoli Innovations Deliver Climate and Disease Resistance
Attendees explored three standout broccoli varieties addressing key grower challenges:
- Macdui impressed visitors with its clubroot resistance (CRR), exceptional head quality, and robust plant health, ideal for disease-prone environments.
- Sambuco demonstrated its versatility as an all-season variety, combining strong plant resilience, clubroot resistance, reliable field performance, and optimised yields.
- Tengri, a dual-purpose variety for Summer/Autumn production, showcased its efficient 75-day growth cycle and systemic downy mildew (SDM) tolerance.
Extensive White Cabbage Portfolio Meets Diverse Market Needs
Syngenta showcased its expanding white cabbage breeding program, featuring over ten new varieties tailored for processing and retail markets.
- Kilafest, developed for processors, combines clubroot and Fusarium resistance with remarkable storage capability until June. Its round shape, strong internal structure, uniform growth, enhanced wax coating, and superior long-term storage impressed attendees. Head weights range from 1.5 to 4kg.
- Mystic demonstrated its dual-market versatility with storage until March, consistent growth cycles, easy harvesting, and excellent plant health. Its small core, easy peeling characteristics, and flexible harvest window make it highly adaptable. Head weights typically range from 1.5 to 3.5kg.
- Vinci, suitable for both retail and processing, offers extended storage until June. Visitors noted its uniform growth, easy harvesting, dense structure, short core, and attractive round shape. Head weights vary from 1.5kg (retail) to 3.5kg (processing).
Future-Proof Iceberg Varieties Feature Full Mildew Resistance
Syngenta's advanced Iceberg portfolio drew significant interest with comprehensive mildew resistance across all varieties.
- Ice Metal, designed for spring and autumn cultivation, was showcased alongside promising new varieties LICN23-2537 and LICN21-1340
- LICN23-2537 impressed with retail-sized heads featuring exceptional internal fill and harvest efficiency. Its controlled filling rate, compact core structure, and superior bottom quality stood out in field demonstrations.
- LICN21-1340 proved its versatility as a dual-purpose variety, distinguished by effortless harvesting, consistent head formation, and premium bottom quality. Its robust frame, vigorous growth, outstanding plant health, reliable germination rates, and enhanced bolting resistance generated strong grower interest.
Engaging Q&A Sessions Provide Direct Expert Access
The event featured two well-attended Q&A sessions that facilitated valuable dialogue between growers and Syngenta experts. Simon Jackson from Crop Protection led one session, addressing integrated pest and disease management strategies. A second session brought together R&D and product experts from Vegetable Seeds, offering insights into breeding innovations and variety development. Both sessions generated lively discussion and practical takeaways for attendees.
