Fervour Tomato Rootstock: Success & Future Plans

With the tomato rootstock Fervour, Syngenta has introduced a strong rootstock to the market. Fervour combines a convincing set of resistances with vigour that, until recently, was primarily associated with non-ToBRFV-resistant rootstocks. Jan Hanemaaijer talks about the success and future plans.

“Fervour is truly a breakthrough,” Jan Hanemaaijer begins his story. “The variety combines a broad resistance package with vigour comparable to, or potentially even better than, that of a non-resistant rootstock. In addition to ToBRFV resistance, Fervour has extra resistance to root fusarium.”

In the Netherlands, Fervour has become a widely used rootstock in illuminated cultivation. “This is partly due to the extra resistance to root fusarium; that fungus is more prevalent in illuminated cultivation.”

Reaching the finish line
In addition to resistances, excellent vigour is a particularly important characteristic of Fervour. “And we are not just talking about vegetative growth, but certainly also about generative growth,” emphasises the Key Account Manager for tomatoes at Syngenta. “For me, vigor is the combination of those two. Fervour passes on generative vigour to the scion. That results in more fruit and often heavier fruit as well.”

At least as important is that the tomato crop reaches the finish line. “Fervour remains vigorous until the end of the season. This is particularly important in illuminated cultivation, because then you want to get the most out of it.”

The combination makes the difference
“It is precisely the combination of vigour and resistance that makes the difference. The tomato grower finds that combination in Fervour. Fervour performs at least as well as, and in most situations better than, a comparable non-resistant rootstock.”

Fervour is also an attractive rootstock for plant growers. Hanemaaijer: “Fervour is very uniform during propagation, resulting in a large selection suitable for grafting. The tomato grower benefits from this through low losses and an optimally uniform batch of plants.”

Many opportunities for growth.
As far as Hanemaaijer is concerned, the positive reception of Fervour in the Benelux and beyond is just the beginning. “In illuminated cultivation, we have now acquired a significant market share in the Netherlands. But the rest of the world is still open.”

I can confidently state that Fervour is universally applicable and suits every tomato type and cultivation method: illuminated, non-illuminated, and even unheated. Should a particular combination prove too vegetative, this can always be remedied with targeted cultivation measures.

Fervour simply doesn't disappoint you easily. Even this season, with the heatwaves, we see that the rootstock holds up nicely. 

Fervour in brief

• Stimulates flower development and provides strength to the head of the plant.
• Ensures a uniform crop, a good plant balance, and maximum productivity.
• Promotes resistance and consistent growth, even under stress or vegetative cultivation conditions.

Resistances

HR: For / ToMV: 0-2 / V / Vd / Va / Fol: 0 (US1), Fol: 1 (US2), Fol: 2 (US3) 
IR: M / Pl / Ma / Mi / Mj / ToBRFV