General Co-creation process leads to new strong rhododendrons
The Flemish ornamental plant sector never stands still. Companies with an international network constantly offer innovative new products. This also applies to the popular garden plant rhododendron, where innovation is the key to success.
Tom Leybaert of Leybaert bv grows rhododendrons for markets throughout Europe.
Cold tolerance and disease resistance are essential traits for us. Because extreme temperatures do not occur consistently in Flanders, it is not easy to assess this trait at our nursery.
As the European market leader in rhododendron propagation, Raf Goossens BVBA has specialized in producing planting material via cuttings and in vitro techniques. The two companies complement each other and joined forces 10 years ago in their search for new and better cultivars. ILVO’s Plant & Soil Living Lab became a partner who could perform the crossings and also assist them in applying for the necessary subsidies for their project with VLAIO.
ILVO makes the crosses for us and they also help us make strategic choices: When do you decide that a plant has enough potential to put into propagation? How do you select from 5000 seedlings the 20 plants you want to put your money into?

ILVO has been providing scientific guidance for Flemish ornamental plant cultivation for decades. With specialized labs, greenhouses and extensive experience and know-how in plant breeding, we are the ideal partner for companies that want to innovate. The breeding program for rhododendrons, which was started at the request of both companies, is a good example of this.
This collaboration has now led to the development of the first two new rhododendron cultivars that are more resistant to both disease and cold stress. They are marketed by Leybaert bv under the label PWRPLANT. Other promising new candidates are currently undergoing controlled tests at ILVO that evaluate winter hardiness down to -20°C. In addition, the seedlings are also being tested for their resistance to Phytophthora.

We find it important to make the latest techniques and scientific knowledge available to the sector.
By stimulating collaborations like this, Plant & Soil Living Lab Plant plays an important role in the future of Flemish floriculture.
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