Syngenta launches 'ToBRFV Resistant' seal

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. 

Learn where to find this new seal and more at this year’s Global Tomato Congress, where Syngenta experts will be on-hand to answer questions about solutions for ToBRFV. This disease has spread rapidly and is present on every continent around the world, spreading yield loss and quality concerns as it goes.  

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, pepino virus, tomato spot virus, or simply concerns about fruit color and shelf life. 

Continued Research for New Solutions Against ToBRFV 
The researchers at Syngenta are taking the resistance we currently have on the market and introgressing it into new varieties and new kinds of tomatoes. As these experts continue researching new solutions, they’re committed to a stair-step approach to ToBRFV resistance, with each new mode of action discovered bringing a higher level of resistance than the last. The reason is simple: viruses evolve. 

As researchers continue to seek new solutions, they’re committed to a stair-step approach to ToBRFV resistance. This means each new mode of action commercialized will bring a higher level of resistance than the last because viruses 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 resistance 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 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.