BASF to launch new tomato seed varieties resistant to ToBRFV
- 25 new seed varieties at a pre-commercial phase being tested to become commercial in 2023
- Nine commercial seed varieties with resistance to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) launched since 2020
Nunhem, the Netherlands, February 21, 2023 - From the early start of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) outbreak, BASF has actively sought and offered solutions to growers in battling this virus. Besides of providing seed varieties since 2020, new launchings resistant to ToBRFV are being tested to become commercial in 2023 that will cover growers’ and market needs even better.
The Nunhems® portfolio currently offers a range of resistant tomato seed varieties. They all meet the requirements of the different levels of the agri-food value chain. In addition to their productivity and plant health, the varieties offer aspects such as flavor, color or visual appearance in line with the demands of the current market.
“In 2020, we launched our first ToBRFV resistant tomato variety Teenon F1 in Mexico.” recalls Maria Muschitiello, Product Development Coordinator of Tomato Fresh at BASF's vegetable seeds business. “A year later, we introduced four more varieties Blindon, Brovian, Strongton and Azovian all saladette types with good resistance to Rugose and great adaptability to different hot spot including Spain, Turkey and Morocco. At present, we have a commercial assortment with Vitalion, cherry round with high taste adapted to high tech growing in the Netherlands as well as for growing in Canada. BASF will continue to introduce new varieties for different types of segments that can be cultivated in many countries.
BASF offers sustainable solutions that endure over time. “With the resistance, we contribute to the continuity of the crop and the production of commercial fruits. And this is precisely what we have successfully achieved”, says Geert Janssen, R&D Crop Lead Solanaceae.”
Vitalion* - cherry tomato with first class flavor and resistance to ToBRFV
Rapidly spreading ToBRFV worldwide
ToBRFV was detected for the first time in Jordan in 2014 and, since then, it has spread to many of the main tomato production areas worldwide. In some countries ToBRFV is now endemic, although there are still countries where it is not present, f.e. in Australia and Brazil.
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About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.
About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division
Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population while reducing environmental impacts. Working with partners and agricultural experts and by integrating sustainability criteria into all business decisions, we help farmers to create a positive impact on sustainable agriculture. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, connecting innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our portfolio comprises seeds and specifically selected plant traits, chemical and biological crop protection, solutions for soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we strive to find the right balance for success – for farmers, agriculture and future generations. In 2021, our division generated sales of €8.2 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.