Syngenta: Yoom tomato arrives

Date:10-22-2019

Currently all the research and development behind plant improvement in Syngenta is guided by the current demands of the farmer, processors, transporters, traders, large distribution, society and consumers. In this edition of Fruit Attraction, Syngenta is committed to presenting its innovation to respond to a demand for greater productivity and efficiency in crops but with the focus on doing so in a sustainable and responsible way in terms of the use of necessary resources and supplies.

In the words of David Bodas, responsible for relations with the Syngenta value chain : “ Our commitment is to extend the benefits of plant improvement throughout the entire food chain. Our varietal innovation responds to the current demands of extending the life of food while improving its flavor, increasing its availability and contributing to reducing food waste ”.

The main novelty of Syngenta this year will be the Yoom ® tomato . A tomato size cocktail of purple to enjoy in 2 mouthfuls. It has an exceptional flavor, juicy and crispy, and reinforced by the Umami flavor , the so-called fifth flavor whose name comes from the Japanese word "tasty". A pleasant taste and prolonged aftertaste present in many foods that lowers the sensation of bitterness and increases that of sweetness is present in this tomato. It is a tomato for consumers looking for innovative, different and healthier products, due to its high content of beta-carotenes and anthocyanins.

In the segment of cherry tomato or "baby plum", with a growth of 15%, Syngenta presents varieties that can be produced and marketed in a much more sustainable way. Rafael Salinas, responsible for the cultivation of tomatoes in Syngenta states: « In general terms, it is estimated that waste derived from the supply of tomato, from the producer to the final consumer, with baby plum varieties could be reduced by up to 25% compared to Conventional varieties

Varieties such as Angelle, Bamano, Bambelo, Ivorino, Seychelle,… offer a longer duration in storage and a more efficient and cost-effective transport, longer duration in linear and therefore in homes, and all accompanied by exceptional flavors. ”

Currently according to FAO, almost half of food waste corresponds to fruit and vegetable waste throughout the chain. With the aim of helping to extend the conservation and half-life of crops, Syngenta presents this year a technology of plant health against the rot of fruits and vegetables. This is Switch One ®, a solution against the two main fungal diseases Botritis and Sclerotinia, responsible for the greatest losses and waste both in the field and in post collection.

Syngenta has been working on new varieties of California pepper for years such as Angus , Miyabi , Charlemagne , whose main characteristics are having double resistance to powdery mildew and nematodes, as well as achieving excellent productivity thanks to these properties: « The new pepper varieties they allow a great capacity of commercialization at the same time that drastically reduce the losses in the field and in postharvest. They guarantee a more efficient and sustainable use of all resources, including land, water, fertilizers, plant health and labor », says Alejandro Pascual, responsible for this crop in Syngenta .

Arend Schot, responsible for the vegetable seed business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, highlights Syngenta's commitment to accelerate its innovation by developing products that enhance experiences throughout the chain. « Using resources more efficiently, reducing waste and working with the sector to ensure a high quality and affordable supply are fundamental aspects of our commitments framed in our plan for a more sustainable rural environment, the“ Good Growth Plan ”» .
 
Editor's note: This article was originally published in Spanish. This English summary has been prepared with Google Translate and edited for clarity.