Tomato trials assess virus resistance

The CTIFL is conducting trials on different tomato varieties to evaluate how resistance to ToBRFV, a virus that affects tomatoes, impacts their productivity. The study includes two main categories: traditional tomato varieties and cherry tomatoes.

Traditional varieties show varied resistance

In Balandran, Southeast France, traditional tomato varieties such as Marmande côtelée and Beef are being tested for resistance to ToBRFV. These varieties do not all have the same level of resistance, and they are being compared to the reference variety HM Clause, which is not resistant to the virus.

High resistance leads to better yields

Data collected in week 21 by research engineer Solène Tréhiou showed that four of the five varieties tested had higher gross yields than the reference variety Buffalosteack, which reached 14 kg/m². Two varieties from Enza Zaden, Oragio and Kardinata, both with high resistance, achieved yields of 15.75 and 16.25 kg/m², respectively.

Cherry tomatoes show promising results

In Carquefou, Loire-Atlantique, researchers are testing eight highly resistant cherry tomato varieties against the non-resistant reference Xaverius of Voltz/Axia. Seven of the eight varieties showed yields close to or higher than the reference in week 24, though more data is needed to confirm their performance over the summer.

Yields and challenges in cherry tomatoes

While most varieties performed well, some faced challenges. The uncommercialized variety from Enza Zaden showed a yield of 24.6 kg/m², the highest recorded, but had issues with fruit elongation and ripening. Other varieties, such as Macxize, had slightly lower yields and higher losses compared to the reference.

Earliness varies among varieties

In Carquefou, researchers noted differences in how early the varieties started producing. Rhodium is a very fast variety, producing yield early in the season, while Winvine is slower but catches up later. The choice between early and high-yielding varieties may depend on specific farming needs.

Traditional varieties link earliness and yield

In Balandran, earliness and yield are closely linked. Varieties such as Oragio and Kardinata are both earlier and more productive than the reference variety. This contrasts with the cherry tomato study, where earliness and productivity do not always align.