Tomato virus resistance becomes key focus

Seed companies are developing tomato varieties that resist ToBRFV, a virus causing brown, rugose (wrinkled) fruit. This virus has appeared in the last decade and is now a major concern for growers, especially in the Southeast, where it has had the most impact.

Efforts to adapt varieties and secure partners

Companies are rebuilding their product lines to include resistant varieties. Marie Vandercoille from Gautier Semences says adapting to this resistance is a priority. Anaïs Canivet from Voltz adds that the Southeast, the most affected region, now sees resistance to ToBRFV as a primary requirement.

Balancing resistance with quality and productivity

Despite the push for resistance, companies are not compromising on taste or productivity. Hervé Bonich from Syngenta says new varieties must meet standards in yield, planting ease, flavor, and appearance. "We do not make compromises on gustative because it creates value and retains customers," Vandercoille of Gautier Semences emphasizes.

Innovation in the cherry tomato segment

Cherry tomatoes are seeing strong innovation, driven by consumer demand. Rijk Zwaan's Denis Veve highlights three new varieties with high ToBRFV resistance: Alpocary RZ, Julioso RZ, and Vannetto RZ. Gautier Semences has launched Piccolo TT and Saopolo TT, while Syngenta offers TIAM25-5021 and TIAM25-5025 with reinforced resistance.

Focus on ribbed varieties and their challenges

Ribbed tomatoes, popular with consumers, face unique challenges in developing ToBRFV resistance. Yann Delmas from Enza Zaden says the segment is underdeveloped in this area. Companies are working to preserve the typicity of these varieties while improving resistance. Syngenta warns against sacrificing flavor and texture for yield.

Progress in grape and beef heart tomatoes

Syngenta has introduced Climundo, a grape tomato with heat resistance. Enza Zaden has developed Fortitude, a grape tomato with high ToBRFV resistance and strong red coloring. Enza Zaden is also advancing beef heart tomatoes, with a new variety, Cardiola, recently added to its catalog.

Prevention remains crucial alongside resistance

Despite developing resistant varieties, seed companies stress the importance of preventive measures. Marie Vandercoille from Gautier Semences and Hervé Bonich from Syngenta both emphasize that strict hygiene is still necessary to avoid virus spread, even with resistant plants.

Adapting to climate challenges

With climate change, seed companies are also focusing on heat tolerance. Varieties must withstand high temperatures and maintain productivity. Enza Zaden and Voltz are working on plants with better foliage to protect fruits and maintain flowering during heatwaves.

Other pests and diseases are also under consideration

Resistance to cladosporiosis, a fungal disease, is becoming a priority. Syngenta and Gautier Semences are improving their varieties to combat this. Voltz has integrated resistance into varieties like Cappucino and Marmalysa, which also have tolerance to other pests.

Addressing apical necrosis and other issues

Apical necrosis, a problem in elongated fruit varieties, is being tackled through improved genetics. Voltz notes that new varieties like Peppino show less sensitivity to this issue. Companies are also monitoring calcium assimilation and water stress, which can exacerbate these problems.