Enza Zaden releases mildew-resistant Rucola selvatica variety Novizia

Enza Zaden has released a new Rucola selvatica variety named Novizia, developed to address the needs of stakeholders across the food value chain, including producers, processors, and consumers.

One of the features of Novizia is its upright growth habit, which facilitates ease of harvest and crop management in both open-field and protected cultivation systems. The variety also shows intermediate resistance (IR) to mildew, contributing to plant health and reducing the risk of crop loss. This resistance supports yield consistency throughout the growing season.

In terms of growth characteristics, Novizia is reported to bolt slowly, which extends the harvest window and allows for longer production cycles. For growers, this trait can support efforts to increase yield over time.

For processing applications, Novizia offers uniformity in leaf size and serration, which supports the production of a consistent product. Post-harvest evaluations indicate that the variety maintains a favorable shelf life, which may benefit both processors and retailers by preserving product appearance and quality over time.

The development of Novizia included both agronomic and post-harvest assessments to ensure suitability for commercial production and supply chain requirements. With these combined traits, the variety is intended for inclusion in production programs where disease resistance, shelf life, and visual uniformity are priorities.