At this year's Canadian Greenhouse Conference (CGC), experts from De Ruiter showcased the latest solutions designed to help growers in the protected culture space. This included the introduction of the latest varieties, highlights on disease-resistant portfolio advancements, and the introduction of digital technologies for the brand. At the conference booth, next to Sun Parlour Grower Supply, De Ruiter engaged with growers and other representatives from the industry as they showcased their latest products and those that are in the pipeline.
Innovation was all the buzz with the development of new product lines and varieties in the Vegetables by Bayer seed portfolio. Last year strawberries were introduced and this year the expansion of disease-resistant tomatoes took center stage. Growers were able to ask questions and interact with the De Ruiter team to discuss the challenges they are facing in their operations and the benefits that De Ruiter products could provide that can help address such challenges.
Stephanie Poletti, Protected Culture Marketing Manager said: "Now more than ever, growers need reliable varieties that deliver high performance and disease resistance. Our goal is grower success by providing them with high-quality, high-performing seeds that give growers confidence at every level."
The De Ruiter team at CGC
Attendees learned about the latest innovations in tomatoes that are resistant to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). ToBRVF is a threat to the global tomato industry, and De Ruiter is committed to using its research and development in its breeding program to help address the current issues the industry is facing as quickly as possible throughout its tomato portfolio.
During the CGC event, one of the tomatoes showcased was the new variety Devoured, a cherry plum loose (grape) tomato hybrid. What makes Devoured stand out is its overall appearance, flavor, and robust disease-resistance package. In the 2023 and 2024 Bayer internal trials, Devoured had a higher average Degrees Brix compared to varieties such as Syngenta Sweetelle and Rijk Zwaan Romietto. Devoured will be joining the Vegetables by Bayer tomato portfolio, uniting with two other high-performing, ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties: Ferreira and Novero. Growers who attended the CGC event had the chance to learn more about this new variety and review the trial data from this year's growing season.
The Devoured tomato
For those CGC attendees who were not able to visit the Bayer De Ruiter Tomato Demo House this spring in Kingsville, a new virtual interactive tour was available in the booth and now is available online. The comprehensive tour highlighted several locations in the De Ruiter Demo House so visitors could experience the latest technology in tomato varieties, as well as innovation and sustainability in glasshouse production.
Also released during the conference were the updated disease guides. These guides provide descriptions and pictures of the more commonly found diseases worldwide for crucifers, cucurbits, onions, peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes. These free resources specific to vegetable crop diseases can help growers with identification and information on causes and symptoms.
For more information:
Bayer De Ruiter
vegetables.bayer.com/