High-tech or not: People want tasty tomatoes 

As a Product Development Specialist for high-tech tomatoes, I understand the challenges of producing high-quality tomatoes. In part, high-tech tomato growers face the same challenges as open-field or greenhouse growers, but some of their issues are also very specific and demand special attention. At BASF, we understand these specific needs and support them with a range of varieties that cover them all. From general concerns like ToBRFV resistance to energy consumption, humidity tolerance, and behavior under different kinds of lighting. 

 Taste is the most important prerequisite for tomatoes. No matter how great a variety's resistance to diseases is, if it does not taste good, it will not be successful. This is especially true in the cherry segment, where we’ve recently launched Vitalion, a variety that offers resistance to ToBRFV, taste, texture, and cultivation features that both consumers and growers appreciate. 

Even though high-tech cultivation benefits from a controlled environment, disease resistance remains crucial. Growers heavily invest in their operations, and the time required for regrowing tomatoes is substantial. Infections can lead to significant losses, and once they occur, they are very difficult to get rid of because of the year-round production in the high-tech segment. Vitalion and other resistant varieties play a pivotal role in minimizing these risks, offering a valuable option for high-tech growers. 

The shift from less energy-efficient high-tech pressure sodium (HPS) lights to LED lighting is a noticeable trend among high-tech growers. In line with this, we have observed that Vitalion grows well under LED lighting. We are actively collaborating with growers to enhance the performance of our varieties and identify areas for improvement. I recently visited three growers who grow Ronvine and discussed with them the performance of this also ToBRFV-resistant cluster tomato under LED lighting. By working together, we aim to identify areas for improvement   Our ongoing research with parent lines under LED light ensures the selection of optimal candidates for our pipeline. 

We take into account that high-tech growers want to bring down their energy consumption, especially in Europe. To manage temperature and light, growers rely on screens, which can lead to increased humidity within the facilities. We prioritize combining higher humidity tolerance with optimum flavor, yield, and shelf-life to meet the multifaceted demands of growers. 

At BASF, we stand at the forefront of supporting growers with varieties that encompass ToBRFV resistance, energy efficiency, humidity tolerance, and adaptability to different lighting conditions. By collaborating closely with growers and conducting ongoing research, we ensure our offerings meet their specific needs, fostering successful and sustainable tomato cultivation. 

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