Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has negatively impacted tomato production since 2015. It has now been found in at least 35 countries, with more instances occurring every year. With no end in sight for the virus, growers are searching for solutions to help minimize their risk.
In response, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds has launched a ToBRFV Information Center to give growers one more tool in the fight for healthy tomatoes.
“We were the first company to bring ToBRFV-resistant tomatoes to the market in 2020, with the first commercial plantings in 2021, and this resource builds on that commitment to providing solutions for growers,” the team says. “While at the Information Center, we invite visitors to sign up to be the first to know about ToBRFV updates and get additional resources and news from Syngenta in the fight against this devastating virus.”
“ToBRFV has a significant impact on growers,” says Ruud Kaagman, Global Crop Unit Head, Tomatoes at Syngenta Vegetable Seeds. “In fact, growers can lose up to 70% of their produce due to the virus, and it’s spreading rapidly. Therefore, broad resistance will be built into our portfolio during the next several years.”
Research for additional new resistances, including new modes of action, is ongoing. Until then, there are practical steps growers can take to reduce the spread of this virus. Syngenta Vegetable Seeds’ ToBRFV Information Center provides tips and tricks to protect tomatoes around the world.
Because ToBRFV transmits easily on clothing, accessories, equipment, and tools, it’s vitally important to follow stringent standards to minimize the risk of spreading the virus from greenhouse to greenhouse or field to field.
The ToBRFV Resource page provides helpful tips for reducing transmission risk, including a video, a downloadable checklist, and an infographic. These can be downloaded, printed, and posted in greenhouse spaces to inform employees and guests of best practices to keep tomato crops safe. Currently, it’s available in English, and additional languages will be added in the coming months.
Visitors will also find easy-to-explain information about ToBRFV to help train employees and guests on the importance of 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.
Learn more at Syngentavegetables.com/resources/ToBRFV.