Building ToBRFV resilience from the roots up

As cultivation challenges continue to evolve, growers are looking for solutions that help reduce risks and protect crop performance. One of those challenges is Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV), a virus that can spread through contaminated plant material, water, tools, substrates and human handling.

“At Rijk Zwaan, we see that growers increasingly look for solutions that strengthen the crop as a whole, not just above ground,” explains David Herzog, Crop Coordinator Rootstock & Tomato at Rijk Zwaan. “Healthy roots form the basis for a healthy crop, especially when growers are dealing with challenges such as ToBRFV.”

At Rijk Zwaan, we continuously develop practical solutions that help growers stay resilient. Our Rugose Defense rootstock adds an extra layer of protection to support healthy crop development from the very beginning.

High resistance, even stronger together

Rijk Zwaan's Rugose Defense tomato varieties offer high resistance to ToBRFV. However, no variety is completely immune. Under high virus pressure, symptoms may still develop. 
For this reason, managing ToBRFV is about more than selecting a resistant variety. It also requires attention to hygiene, propagation practices and the overall cultivation system. 
“Resistance is an important part of the solution, but it should never be viewed in isolation,” says Herzog. “A successful ToBRFV strategy combines resistant genetics with good hygiene practices and strong crop management.”

While infections are often associated with the above-ground parts of the plant, virus pressure can also build up below ground. Susceptible rootstocks may become infected and contribute to maintaining virus pressure within the crop. This is especially relevant during the early stages of cultivation, when young plants are most vulnerable.

The value of a resistant rootstock

Rijk Zwaan's Rugose Defense scions are compatible with all commercially available rootstocks, giving growers the flexibility to choose the rootstock that best suits their cultivation system. When growers can start with clean seed, clean young plants and a clean greenhouse, these combinations can perform successfully. However, we also know that a completely clean start is not always guaranteed.

“In an ideal situation, every crop starts completely clean,” says Herzog. “But in practice, growers often have to deal with uncertainties. A resistant rootstock offers an additional safety layer during the most vulnerable stages of crop development.”

In situations where infection pressure may already be present, a Rugose Defense rootstock offers additional support. By reducing the risk of infection in the root zone, it helps strengthen the crop's resilience during the most vulnerable stages of development.

A foundation for stronger protection

To understand the role of a resistant rootstock, it helps to compare a tomato plant to a building. A strong foundation provides stability and support, but it cannot compensate for weaknesses in the structure above it. Similarly, a resistant rootstock alone cannot protect a susceptible scion. The resistance remains in the rootstock and does not transfer into the above-ground part of the plant.

“You can compare the rootstock to the foundation of a building,” Herzog explains. “A strong foundation adds stability and support, but maximum protection is achieved when both the rootstock and the scion contribute to the plant's resilience.”

For maximum protection against ToBRFV, we therefore advise combining a Rugose Defense rootstock with a Rugose Defense scion. When both parts of the plant carry Rugose Defense resistance, protection is present both below and above ground, creating a stronger and more balanced defense against virus pressure.

“When growers combine a Rugose Defense rootstock with a Rugose Defense scion, they create a more complete defense strategy against virus pressure,” says Herzog. “That combination helps build resilience both below and above ground.”

Supporting a healthy crop from day one

A Rugose Defense rootstock helps growers reduce risks during propagation and cultivation, supports cleaner crop development, and contributes to lowering virus pressure in the greenhouse.
Combined with a Rugose Defense scion, it forms a complete resistance strategy that helps growers start confidently and maintain crop performance throughout the season.

“Our goal is to help growers reduce risks and cultivate with confidence,” concludes Herzog. “By strengthening the crop from the roots up, we support healthier plants and more reliable production throughout the season.”

By strengthening the plant from the roots up, Rugose Defense rootstocks and scions work together to support healthy, productive tomato crops. That is the Rijk Zwaan approach: delivering practical innovations that help growers succeed in an increasingly challenging production environment.

How scions and rootstocks work together

Rugose Defense scions and rootstocks are designed to complement each other. Watch the video to learn how combining resistance above and below ground can help strengthen crop resilience against ToBRFV.

*Disclaimer: To help explain the interaction between Rugose Defense scions and rootstocks, this video uses animations to illustrate and simplify complex biological processes. The visualisations are intended for explanatory purposes and do not represent actual crop footage or specific growing situations.