International Spinach Conference and Field Day

The vegetable industry gathered in Victoria at the end of April for a horticultural showcase featuring the Victorian Vegetable Innovation Days and the 10th International Spinach Conference.

The spinach conference was led by renowned spinach specialists Dr Jim Correll from the University of Arkansas and Dr Lindsey du Toit from Washington State University.

Experts presented research on global spinach production, breeding, genomics, and pest and disease. To close the conference, delegates were invited to tour a baby leaf spinach variety trial at Rijk Zwaan’s Bacchus Marsh site.

Rijk Zwaan Australia Managing Director, Tim March, who is responsible for R&D activities throughout Australia and SE Asia; welcomed local and international delegates, sharing Rijk Zwaan’s role in developing spinach varieties that respond to the needs of growers, the supply chain, and evolving environmental pressures.

Seed production specialist Annie Walch reflected on local and international spinach seed production.

Annie Walch talks seed production

Wim in 't Groen with the help of Stuart Grigg

Wim in 't Groen, Rijk Zwaan’s global spinach crop coordinator shared insights into pest and disease trends, and how vegetable breeding responds to these threats.

“Leaf diseases like Stemphylium vesicarium are increasing in importance globally, as is a good mildew resistance package.

In recent years the European Union implemented new legislation to minimise the impact of agricultural crop protectants. This has driven our breeding investments towards selecting varieties that are stronger against diseases like Pythium and Fusarium.

By breeding varieties with strength against leaf and soilborne diseases, we can provide security for growers – both in Australia and worldwide.”

Delegates were invited to explore a preview of new varieties, developed to address the complex issues discussed throughout the conference.

New releases such as Tarsier RZ, Stoat RZ and Boxfish RZ offer growers strength against leafy and soil-borne diseases, feature traits to address processing challenges and respond to the need for increased warm-period production cycles.

It was a great opportunity to get our hands dirty exploring the challenges and opportunities of growing spinach while connecting with local peers and an extensive network from the United States.

Rijk Zwaan representative, Param Turna spoke about the afternoon “It was an honour and a pleasure to host the spinach conference group and have the opportunity to share our contributions to the global industry.”

Thanks to Stuart Grigg, Kate Grigg, Andrew Bulmer – Managing Director from Bulmer Farms and Bonnie Dawson from Food and Fibre Gippsland – an excellent organising committee.

Thanks Dr Jim Correll and Dr Lindsey du Toit, and their excitable teams from Washington State University and the University of Arkansas.

Lindsey du Toit, Anthony Kachenko, Stuart Grigg, Bonnie Dawson, Hannah Zima, Jim Correll and Maria Isabel Villaroel-Zeballos Maria

Closing with remarks from Rijk Zwaan’s Wim in 't Groen: “It was excellent to be able to join the spinach conference in Australia, to meet all my fellow spinach lovers, and make vital connections with an inspired international network.”