More New ToBRFV-Resistant Varieties on the Way

Posted by Brian Sparks|December 21, 2022

The tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has been causing major economic losses in tomato cultivation worldwide. In response, Rijk Zwaan’s team of researchers have found new, unique genetics that result in a high resistance level to ToBRFV.

Soon after this discovery, breeders started to develop resistant varieties in all worldwide breeding programs and extensively tested these varieties internally, as well as with leading growers, to assess their agronomic value. Rijk Zwaan now offers growers high-performing hybrids under the Rugose Defense label, including mini plum, cherry tomato-on-the-vine (TOV), cocktail, and medium TOV tomato varieties.

Rijk Zwaan tomato varieties with high resistance to ToBRFV are compatible with all commercially available rootstocks. Trials have shown that rootstock variety Suzuka RZ performs strongly in combination with both susceptible and resistant tomato varieties.

In the coming year, Rijk Zwaan will continue to introduce new varieties suitable for high-tech and protected cultivation. Learn more in the video below.