How digitization, data analysis, robotics, and more are reinventing tomato research

Date:05-18-2023

Biting and sucking insects, damaging diseases, uncertain labor, and more – each of these challenges contribute to the many threats tomato growers face every season. Around the world, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds researchers work hard to find the best new tomato varieties for any region and any growing style. 

Now it’s time for a behind-the-scenes look at that innovation at www.tomatovision.com. With the launch of this new website, growers and value chain members around the world will discover new technologies such as how robotization, digitization, artificial intelligence and more are shaping the future of tomato innovation. 

They’re finding genetic advancement faster and with greater success today, too. Syngenta Vegetable Seeds researchers are using data gathered from robots and human eyes to take millions of potential varieties, millions of scenarios, millions of genes, put all together to find the best candidates for future varieties. At the same time, they’re preparing for the future of tomato production – whether it’s robotic harvesting or a need for more purple tomatoes.  

TomatoVision is the hub for this next-generation research and trialing and discovering taste and eating quality. It’s a state-of-the-art greenhouse that uses the newest technologies, best data management, and sharpest researchers in the industry. The team uses all 14.000 meters of space to test more-than 800 potential new varieties in year. Today, you can get a sneak peek at what Syngenta researchers are focusing on in an online experience and discover more opportunities by connecting with Syngenta experts. 

″At Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, we’re working hard to bring new innovations to our customers every year,″ said Rik Lootens, Syngenta Portfolio Lead for Tomato and Blocky Pepper, Active Greenhouse and High-Tech Production. ″Only 10% of innovation proposed make it to commercial use – that’s a challenge, so we need to make sure our customers and our customers’ customers are getting products that meet their needs.″ 

Committed to Tomato Innovation 

At Syngenta, researchers are using technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to put data into action when selecting new varieties. From research, these experts move into trialing to test potential new products for agronomic concerns, while not forgetting the taste and eating quality consumers expect. 

TomatoVision is one of many sites around the world where Syngenta experts are creating the tomatoes of tomorrow. From the Netherlands to Mexico to Italy to Morocco to Jordan, and everywhere in between, research is ongoing to find locally adapted solutions. 

″We’re using genetics that are adapted to the challenges of today and the production methods that will be used in the future to help growers optimize their tomato harvests,″ Lootens explained. ″We’re looking for genetics that help combat disease resistance, genetics that make plants ready for advancements in mechanical harvesting, and genetics that ultimately provide higher yields.″