Sakata Seed: Intermediate Resistance (IR) to ToBRFV in tomato varieties confirmed

Sakata Seed announces that the company's phytopathologists have confirmed intermediate resistance to ToBRFV in 4 varieties of the specialties segment: Chocostar F1, Lemonstar F1, Royalstar F1, and Luciestar F1. "These varieties play a crucial role in growers' programs to help mitigate the significant challenges ToBRFV presents," the team says.

In the dynamic world of tomato production, every so often, a significant disruptor comes along that creates a demand for the industry to adapt and conquer. One such disruptor is the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), which is spreading rapidly and negatively impacting many production regions worldwide.

One of many reasons that ToBRFV has had such a detrimental impact on tomato production is the virus' ability to overcome current standard genes traditionally used to provide resistance to Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) or Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV).

Sakata, a global player in multiple fresh market tomato segments, is no stranger to the intricacies and rigor involved in breeding, developing, and introducing market-leading products to the industry. "We have dedicated teams that specialize in research and development, consistently delivering enhanced advancements and innovative solutions to benefit both growers and consumers," states Stéphane Bucamp, EMEA tomato product manager.

"Sakata's global network of scientists, pathologists, and research teams collaboratively combat the threat of ToBRFV. Significant progress has been made in identifying resistance genes and levels, offering growers diverse options."

Ian Blokpoel, tomato breeding group leader at Sakata Seed, highlights the importance of considering factors such as segment, production technique, growing practices, and market demands when evaluating the various resistance levels of ToBRFV available today. As growers adhere to the standard practice of testing new products in their specific conditions, the confirmation of overall performance and profitability becomes paramount.

"Throughout the trialing process of ToBRFV-resistant products, an emerging observation is that several varieties exhibiting higher resistance levels to ToBRFV also entail notable trade-offs, including diminished marketable yield, quality, and adaptability," adds Ian Blokpoel.

"With regard to the criteria of the International Seed Federation, which provides the vegetable industry with definitions of terms describing the reaction of plants to pests, we consider that most claims of resistance to the ToBRFV virus are defined as intermediate resistance," says Jorge Aguilar, head of the EMEA's tomato crop group. "Tobamoviruses are mechanically transmissible, and ToBRFV readily impacts susceptible plants and fruits, which can lead to complete crop losses. Through a stringent focus on sanitary practices and processes in managing and minimizing the effects of tobamoviruses and the selection of varieties best suited to meet both the growers' and customers' requirements, Sakata remains a trusted partner and innovator in the tomato business."