“ToBRFV Resistant” Seal Signals Rugose Resistance in Tomatoes Around the World
Get a first look at the new seal at the Global Tomato Congress and taste up-and-coming varieties yourself
Growers can now look for tomato seeds with confidence. Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is launching a “ToBRFV Resistant” seal to indicate Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) resistant varieties.
The seal symbolizes Syngenta’s focus to deliver varieties that protect yields with disease resistance to not only ToBRFV, but other key diseases as well; to maintain high fruit quality, including flavor, shelf life, consistency, and transportability; and to continue research into solutions for ToBRFV and any other pest that impacts production.
ToBRFV Resistance, Fruit Quality, and Flavor
Disease resistance alone isn’t enough. Consumers have high expectations when it comes to flavor, and Syngenta is dedicated to protecting the flavor profiles consumers have come to know and love.
“As we continue to add new varieties to our lineup, we’re making sure they still taste great,” said Ruud Kaagman, Syngenta Global Crop Unit Head, Tomato. “Consumers love the taste of our tomatoes and choose them when they go to the grocery store, so with the introductions of new resistant varieties we want to make sure that growers can continue to deliver what consumers expect.”
“Growers can lose up to 70% of their produce due to the virus, and it’s spreading rapidly,” Kaagman, who is a featured panelist during the Global Tomato Congress in the “Breeding Resistances” discussion, continued. “We’re looking for solutions to ToBRFV without compromising resistance to other critical diseases.”
Syngenta researchers are looking for the whole package – ToBRFV resistance without compromising resistance to other diseases, fruit quality, and flavor. The ToBRFV Resistant seal tells growers they’re getting a full tomato package - whether it’s leaf curl, tomato spot virus, or simply concerns about fruit color and shelf life.
Continued Research for New Solutions Against ToBRFV
The researchers at Syngenta are continuing to work on converting resistance into more varieties and types of tomatoes. In addition, the experts are committed to ongoing research into new solutions against ToBRFV as the virus continues to evolve.
“We know the virus is changing and it can cause a lot of damage, especially in yield, impacting the plant and changing its behavior,” said Rik Lootens, Syngenta Portfolio Lead for Tomato and Blocky Pepper, Active Greenhouse and High-Tech Production. “Viruses are unpredictable and hard to control. It’s our goal to go as fast as possible to bring new resistances to the market.
“We have resistance and have had it for several years – since 2020. But we’re continuing to research many new varieties in the beef segments but also in mini cluster, saladette, beef cluster, and more,” he continued.
Discover a ToBRFV Information Center to Learn More Virus Mitigation Tips
Syngenta created the ToBRFV Information Center as a one-stop location for information about new ToBRFV resistant varieties, details on the virus and where it has spread, and phytosanitary tips. After all, the easiest way to avoid yield loss from ToBRFV is to prevent the virus from entering a greenhouse altogether.
The ToBRFV Information Center provides helpful tips for reducing transmission risk, including a video and downloadable checklist and infographic. These can be downloaded, printed, and posted in greenhouse spaces to inform employees and guests of best practices to keep tomato crops safe.
Visitors will also find easy-to-explain information about what ToBRFV is to help train employees and guests of the importance in preventing the virus. In addition, operators will find deeper details about what the virus is, where it has spread, and what Syngenta is doing to partner with growers.
Stay up to date with hygiene tips, new variety announcements, and more by signing up for more information at the Syngenta ToBRFV Information Center website.
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