BASF launches ToBRFV-resistant Nunhems tomato hybrids in Brazil

BASF announced the launch, through its seed and vegetable brand Nunhems, of three tomato varieties resistant to the Tomato Brown Rough Virus (ToBRFV).

With significant impacts on crops worldwide, ToBRFV has become one of the biggest villains in tomato farming. Productive losses can reach up to 70% of the crop, causing losses to farmers and the global tomato market. There is still no specific treatment to combat ToBRFV infection, which is why Nunhems has developed hybrid varieties resistant to the virus. These seeds mean that the tomato is not affected even when in contact with the virus and can be sold normally.
 
Since 2020, the company has developed 17 rugosa virus-resistant hybrids, which are sold worldwide. In Brazil, as a preventive measure after cases of infection in Mexico, the company made available four resistant hybrids of the salad type: Blindon, Strongton, Azoviam, and Brovian.

″In addition to productivity and plant health, the varieties offer aspects such as flavor, color, and appearance that meet the demands of the tomato market″, comments Antonio Pierro, R&D leader for South America at BASF. According to the expert, it is essential to highlight that the brand is developing other varieties that will reach the market by the end of this year. ″BASF is also developing another 20 new varieties, which will support the farmer and boost their culture, serving the producer sustainably and innovatively,″ said Pierro in conclusion.
 
Nunhems also announced the launch of the portal A Batalha Contra o Rugoso, with information about the virus, forms of prevention, and tips on identifying it in the field. After the first case, identified in Jordan in 2014, the world raised an alert for ToBRFV, which soon reached other tomato crops worldwide. Regions such as Europe, Asia, and Africa reported their first cases. The virus is already endemic in some countries, while others, such as Australia and Brazil, have not identified infected crops.

 
To offer solutions to the challenges farmers face, BASF says it invests approximately 950 million euros per year in researching and developing new technologies.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)

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