Syngenta’s top priority in the Dutch cucumber category is to continue expanding its ‘Vikings’ range—a collection of varieties that combine a complete resistance package, dark plant genetics, and strong plant health throughout the cycle. These traits are joined by other essentials such as fruit quality and high yield.
Last season, the company introduced Nilsa. In this new cycle, it brings another novelty: Ragnar (LC 222313). Víctor García, Portfolio Lead Cucurbits at Syngenta for Iberia and MEDA (Spain, Portugal, Greece, and the Balkans), outlines some of the advantages of this variety, which offers a broad transplanting window. ‘It runs from mid-July to mid-September, covering both early and part of the late autumn season.’
Its very dark plant enhances strong health and produces dark fruits as well, with a well-defined ribbing and no bottleneck, giving them an extra fresh appearance. Another standout feature is its good postharvest performance, allowing the cucumbers to be sold unwrapped in markets where this is required, such as Germany.
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‘Ragnar offers the most complete resistance package, like Siriana: CGMMV, New Delhi virus, powdery mildew, yellow vein, and yellowing virus. It also performs well under high temperatures. Even under strong whitefly pressure, it shows no yellowing issues and finishes darker than other varieties,’ says Víctor García.
A past that’s still present—and a future ahead
Looking ahead, Syngenta is developing two more varieties that follow Ragnar’s comprehensive resistance profile. They are currently being trialled on a smaller scale, but may move to the pre-commercial phase in the near future.
And if we look back, a long-standing variety like Kantaka is making a comeback. As Víctor García explains, ‘it has seen a resurgence in sales. Growers value it highly for its CGMMV resistance and strong field performance, both in fruit quality and yield.’
