BASF's Vegetable Seed's first ToBRFV intermediate resistant tomato variety will be introduced in Mexico

For the new season in Mexico, BASF is introducing their first tomato variety with intermediate resistance against Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). The new hybrid is a cherry plum tomato variety and combines intermediate resistance with strong agronomic and market performance.  

“The new variety has proven its performance during two test seasons at different locations in Sinaloa, Bajio, Baja California and South Mexico,” says Hiram Gutierrez Ayala, Crop Sales Manager Tomato Fresh for NAFTA. “The variety showed a reliable resistance under light and heavy virus pressure and will contribute to a more stable supply of high-quality grape tomatoes for the domestic Mexican market and the important export markets USA and Canada. Consumers will value the snack tomatoes for their attractive appearance, shelf life and sweetness.”

“Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) is a contagious plant virus which easily spreads via mechanical transmission. Infected fruits are unsellable,” says Ivan Angulo Araujo, Regional Product Specialist Tomato Fresh. “With the intermediate ToBRFV resistance the plants and fruits will remain symptomless and sellable, offering a more reliable revenue for the growers.”

This introduction is the result of the accelerated development process for parent lines using innovative breeding practices such as indoor farming and marker technology.

The company intends to introduce new Roma type varieties in 2021 and to develop more ToBRFV resistant varieties for other tomato segments and regions over the next few years. Through this continuous innovation BASF demonstrates its commitment to deliver well-performing and reliable solutions that cater to the needs of all players along the value chain and consumers.

What is ToBRFV?

Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) is a plant virus in the “Tobamo” group. Since its discovery in Israel in 2014, the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) has spread to parts of Europe, America, Asia and Africa. The contagious virus spreads easily via contact. The symptoms, yellow spots, wrinkled patches and brown scars, make the tomato fruits unsellable.

It is because of this virus, and another bacterial disease, that BASF enforces strict plant hygiene protocols at their tomato breeding and production locations and in their operational activities.