Resilient Cucumber Plants, Reliable Supply: The Power Of Blue Leaf™

23 January 2026, Netherlands: Blue Leaf™ in cucumbers is not just one visual trait or a plant type. It is a set of traits that we are continuously further improving. Thanks to the resilience and robustness of the varieties, growers can depend on a secure harvest. Meanwhile, retailers benefit from a consistent and reliable supply. Javier López Rodríguez, Crop Co-ordinator Cucumber at Rijk Zwaan, explains how this innovation is driving sustainability, which is one of Rijk Zwaan’s key themes at Fruit Logistica 2026.

What is Blue Leaf exactly?

“Blue Leaf refers to cucumber varieties with blue-greenish leaves. The varieties have been specially developed by Rijk Zwaan to have a higher photosynthetic capacity, a stronger root system and enhanced adaptability to abiotic stress – in particular climatic stress. That sort of stress is very common in medium-technology growing systems. The set of Blue Leaf traits is continuously evolving as we work to develop plants that are even healthier, more resilient and more efficient over time.”

What do growers particularly like about these varieties?

“Growers mainly appreciate the resilience and robustness of the plant. One of the most common reactions we hear is: ‘This is a plant that holds up well throughout the cycle and gives me certainty, even when the climate is challenging’. Spanish growers are increasingly choosing Blue Leaf long cucumber varieties such as Trueno RZ and Marítimo RZ. The relevance of Blue Leaf in the snack cucumber segment is growing.”

How does Blue Leaf benefit retailers?

“Blue Leaf means supply reliability and consistency for retailers. Healthier and more resilient plants result in more regular production, reduced impact from sanitary issues, and consistent fruit quality over time. At store level, this translates into more stable on-shelf availability, less variation between batches, and reduced waste and shrinkage.”

How does this innovation strengthen sustainability throughout the chain?

“Blue Leaf varieties make more efficient use of water and nutrients, producing higher yields with fewer resources. In addition, their broad set of natural resistances leads to healthier plants that are more resilient against pests and diseases. This results in a lower environmental impact and greater long-term security for the entire value chain.”

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