Syngenta Adds ToBRFV High Resistance & Multi-Gene Tomatoes

Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is adding Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) high resistance (HR) to its robust tomato portfolio, starting this season. The four new baby plum and mini-cluster types include multiple sources of resistance and strong genetic backgrounds.

“We’re continuing to strengthen our tomato portfolio with improved genetics and resistance against ToBRFV and other important diseases,” said Norm Sissons, Global Solanaceae Product Head.

Syngenta’s broadening ToBRFV-resistant portfolio includes new HR varieties and new intermediate varieties (IR). These portfolio enhancements stretch a broad range of tomato types and serve both high- and mid-tech greenhouses. New products are built upon the foundation of Syngenta’s high-quality tomato genetics and now with multiple sources of resistance.

ToBRFV Resistance Proven in Studies

Every tomato variety with resistance at Syngenta is tested to determine resistance efficacy, resistance level, and how it fits into grower programs. This past year, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds performed adult plant testing at third party facilities to see real-world results of resistance under ToBRFV pressure.

“Through this testing, we found four varieties for launch in 2026 that met the International Seed Federation standard for HR,” Sissons said. “We compared them to susceptible varieties and other HR competitive benchmarks on the market.”

Beyond identifying HR varieties Syngenta is continuing to build out the entire tomato portfolio with beef, large cluster, on the vine, cherry, and more varieties. The next wave of new products will feature multiple resistance sources to further enhance the longevity of the resistance.

Management, Environment, and Genetics

Even with resistant varieties on the market – regardless of IR or HR designations – good management practices and controlling as many environmental factors as possible continues to be vital. Viruses, including ToBRFV, move quickly.

“It’s important that growers don’t just plant resistant varieties and forget the role good management practices and environment – specifically greenhouse hygiene – play in crop success,” said Arthur van Marrewijk, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds Active Greenhouse Technical Manager. “Growers should mind crops closely and ensure anyone who enters greenhouses adheres to hygiene standards.”

Research for Evolving Solutions

As ToBRFV continues to spread throughout the globe and new strains emerge, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is dedicated to continued research into solutions. The introduction of four new HR varieties signals this commitment, as does introducing multiple sources of resistance in HR and IR products.

Stay up-to-date on the latest portfolio advancements at www.syngentavegetables.com  

High Resistance, HR, is defined by the International Seed Federation as: The ability of a plant variety to restrict the growth and/or development of the specified pest, and/or the symptoms and/or damage it causes, to a high degree.  

HR does not mean immune to the virus, and damage can still occur in severe infestation, under certain management techniques, when greenhouse hygiene is not maintained, or with new strains of the virus. Good greenhouse hygiene and mindful crop management are still needed.  HR does not replace hygiene measures.

Testing for HR designation was performed in third-party greenhouses to evaluate impact on leaves and fruit multiple times throughout the season. Designations were assigned compared to susceptible varieties and HR industry benchmarks.  

HR varieties and seed might be limited in your market, check with your local Syngenta Vegetable Seeds representatives to understand your options and which provides the best genetic fit.

Intermediate Resistance, IR, is defined by the International Seed Federation as: The ability of a plant variety to restrict the growth and/or development of the specified pest, and/or the symptoms and/or damage it causes, to a moderate degree.