Growers in the U.S. equipped with robust solutions against downy mildew and other key threats
18 July 2025, USA: BASF’s vegetable seeds business, operating under the Nunhems® brand, continues to strengthen its spinach seed portfolio, offering growers access to high-performing varieties designed to withstand evolving disease pressures while delivering dependable yields across diverse growing conditions.
As spinach remains a strategic crop within the BASF | Nunhems vegetable seed lineup, the focus is on genetics that empower farmers to remain profitable despite increasing agronomic complexity. A key threat this season is downy mildew, caused by Peronospora effusa, a fast-evolving pathogen. To stay ahead, the company’s breeders and scientists have invested years in research and development, resulting in a strong portfolio of spinach varieties bred for resistance and performance.
Genetic Strength Built Over Years of Research
BASF | Nunhems’ spinach varieties are the result of extensive breeding efforts that combine disease resistance, fast growth, tender texture, and vibrant leaf color. These traits are matched with adaptability across a range of production environments, ensuring that growers are equipped to manage risk while maximizing market quality.
In the U.S. market, the portfolio now features over 10 spinach varieties with resistance to multiple races of Peronospora effusa. This resistance gives growers confidence as they head into a season of heightened disease pressure and regulatory restrictions on seed treatments.
Beyond downy mildew, the Nunhems spinach line is also developed to help mitigate the impact of damping off, leaf spot, and white rust, all of which can significantly reduce yields and profitability.
Global Genetics, Local Application
“Our breeding process starts with a broad genetic foundation, including wild spinach accessions from its native regions in the Iranian mountains,” said Philip Simons, Senior Spinach Breeder at BASF | Nunhems. “This enables us to integrate durable resistance genes without compromising the visual appeal and texture that both growers and consumers demand.”
The company plays an active role in the International Working Group on Peronospora (IWGP), which monitors the emergence of new races of downy mildew and helps coordinate the global response to these evolving threats. This collaboration ensures that BASF | Nunhems remains agile in introducing new resistant varieties into the market.
Shifting Toward Genetic Solutions
As regulatory frameworks tighten access to certain chemical seed treatments, the emphasis on genetic resistance has become increasingly vital. Simons also stresses the importance of varietal diversification in disease management.
“We advise growers to use multiple varieties in the same field, even if all are from Nunhems,” he said. “If a new pathogen isolate affects one, others may still perform well—genetic diversity is a form of insurance for your yield.”
Leading Varieties for Today’s Growers
Among the standout performers is NEMBUS, known for its durability and consistency, alongside newer entries like Acrux, which is gaining popularity for its strong disease resistance and market uniformity. With spinach varieties typically rotating out of commercial production within four years due to shifting resistance dynamics, BASF | Nunhems continues to innovate rapidly to meet changing grower needs.
With a commitment to breeding excellence, on-field testing, and global collaboration, BASF | Nunhems is helping secure the future of spinach cultivation—offering growers tools to thrive in an environment of constant change.
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