Warmenhuizen, The Netherlands
February 28, 2024
In his detailed presentation, Jorrit delves into the complexity of plant breeding, with a specific focus on brassicas. Plant breeding is introduced as the essential process through which plants are developed to cater to human needs. Over millennia, the evolution of brassica plants is highlighted, illustrating the remarkable transformation from wild brassica to the diverse range of brassica varieties recognized today.
The breeding process
Jorrit highlights Bejo’s commitment to selling hybrid varieties. These hybrids are finely bred by crossing two parent lines, a complex process that leverages the compatibility between these lines to develop hybrids that are not only productive but also resistant to various challenges.
He explains the process of breeding for these hybrids, stressing the importance of inbreeding to attain uniformity within the new plant lines. This process may require up to five cycles, each spanning two years, demonstrating the very gradual process. After achieving a new line, extensive testing and trials are conducted of the performance of the new line in hybrid crosses, which can add several more years to the breeding process, culminating in an overall timeline of 15-16 years for a single hybrid development.
Breeding objectives for pointed headed cabbage
The breeding objectives for pointed headed cabbage are outlined, covering characteristics such as yield, disease tolerance, earliness, standing ability on the field, shelf life, and storability. These goals are categorized into different market segments, including fresh market, processing, storage and overwintering each with its unique requirements and challenges. Red pointed headed cabbage is highlighted as well.
The presentation sheds light on the dynamic field of breeding techniques, featuring innovations like marker assisted breeding, the use of sterile parent lines, microspore culture, and dedicated speed breeding facilities. These advancements play a central role in accelerating the breeding process, enabling quicker responses to evolving market demands.
Looking ahead to the future, Bejo's breeding objectives extend to developing more robust varieties with enhanced resistance to diseases such as Xanthomonas and Downy Mildew, as well as improved tolerance to abiotic stress factors like drought and cold. There is also a strong emphasis on breeding for improved resistance to pests like thrips.
The role of collaboration
Collaboration emerges as a recurring theme throughout the presentation. Jorrit underlines the essential role of effective communication and cooperation between breeders, researchers, sales representatives, and growers in successfully meeting the ever changing demands of the market. He highlights the critical role of growers in communicating their needs and preferences to breeders, facilitating the alignment of breeding efforts with market requirements.
Jorrit discusses the approach to breed varieties with improved tolerance to heat and drought. The breeding department conduct trials in challenging conditions, such as early spring in the Netherlands or in varying climatic conditions in Portugal, to select varieties that thrive in favourable environments but even perform well in challenging environments. He highlights the importance of natural climatic variation in his breeding efforts.
Additionally, Jorrit acknowledges an emerging trend in Northern Europe, where cabbage, particularly pointed headed cabbage, is stepping up. He emphasizes their commitment to sustainable farming practices, notably utilizing fewer fertilizers and chemicals in their trials compared to conventional methods. While this aligns with the broader movement towards reduced nitrogen and pesticide use, he acknowledges the complexities associated with introducing such innovations to the market. Striking a balance between staying ahead of market demands and ensuring product performance and market acceptance remains a critical challenge.
In summary, Jorrit Lind's presentation provides an extensive exploration of the complicated and time-intensive process of plant breeding. It explains the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration to address the evolving needs of the market and ensure the development of resilient and high-quality varieties. Additionally, he discusses their approach to breeding for improved tolerance to abiotic stresses, biotic stress, yield, standing ability, shelf life, storability, as well as their global breeding efforts for fresh white cabbage tailored to specific regional markets.
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Species
