Plantum - Pressemitteilung IBEB EU - Keine neue aufkommende Bedrohung durch Bremia lactucae (Falscher Mehltau) in Europa festgestellt

Lesen Sie hier die offizielle Pressemitteilung von IBEB-EU:

No new emerging threat from Bremia lactucae in Europe in 2026.

Bremia lactucae, the causal agent of downy mildew in lettuce, is genetically very variable and may develop new races that overcome host plant resistance in lettuce crops. Even within one lettuce production field, several races may be present. Monitoring the changes in the Bremia population is important for breeders and growers. The International Bremia Evaluation Board Europe (IBEB-EU) collected 381 Bremia isolates from lettuce between 2025 and early 2026 (up to April) in Europe. The most recently denominated races (Bl: 38-Bl: 41) were still dominant and thus important:

Many other isolates appeared in a very low frequency. A formal evaluation process started in December 2025, considering not only the frequency of isolates, but also their geographic distribution and their potential to increase in importance. In April 2026, the IBEB-EU concluded that no distinctive new threats have emerged in the field. Consequently, no new Bremia races were denominated in 2026.

The board emphasizes the importance of chemical control and hygiene measures in addition to plant resistance. Fungicide application, especially in a young plant stage, gives additional protection to resistant lettuce crops, which will help prevent the development of new Bremia races. Proper hygiene practices, such as removal of debris and diseased plants, cleaning of farm equipment and prevention of prolonged periods of leaf wetness, will reduce the spread of Bremia in lettuce crops.