High resistance to ToBRFV
Rijk Zwaan presents ground-breaking genetics with high resistance (HR) against the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). Elevate your crop strategy with our top-performing hybrid tomato varieties, now available under the Rugose Defense label.
In the coming period, Rijk Zwaan will continue to release new varieties for trials and commercial introduction through our global breeding programs.
Harvest the benefits of Rugose Defense™
High resistance
Our high-resistant tomato varieties are tested in practical conditions under virus pressure, ensuring reliable field performance.
Agronomical value
To secure agronomical value and performance, our high-resistance tomato varieties are tested by leading growers.
Rootstock compatible
Our tomato varieties with high resistance to ToBRFV are compatible with all commercially available rootstocks.
Rugose Defense
Trials under high infection levels with ToBRFV have shown that our resistant varieties remain healthy, whereas susceptible varieties in the same greenhouse show clear symptoms leading to losses in marketable yield. Our new resistant varieties offered under the Rugose Defense label have been extensively tested in practice before commercial introduction.
Why choose high resistant varieties?
Susceptible varieties are unable to restrict the growth and/or development of ToBRFV. This leads to major losses in yield and allows the further spread of the virus.
Varieties with Intermediate Resistance (IR) restrict the growth and/or development of ToBRFV to some extent. These varieties may, however, exhibit symptoms and/or damage under normal virus pressure.
Varieties with High Resistance (HR) significantly restrict the growth and/or development of ToBRFV under normal virus pressure. However, HR varieties might show symptoms under extreme conditions because high resistance is not the same as immunity. Immunity is when a plant is not subject to virus infection. There are no tomato varieties with immunity to ToBRFV.
Strict hygiene measures and a clean start remain essential for a successful crop. Rijk Zwaan considers HR varieties in combination with good hygiene to be the best solution for preventing losses caused by ToBRFV.
Building ToBRFV resilience from the roots up
A strong crop starts with strong roots. Rugose Defense rootstocks combine vigorous root development with high resistance to ToBRFV, helping growers build a more resilient production system. Together with Rugose Defense scions, they create a complete defence strategy that supports crop health, reduces virus pressure and contributes to reliable performance throughout the season. Combined with strict hygiene protocols, this integrated approach helps growers face ToBRFV challenges with greater confidence.
Contact your local sales representative
In the coming period, Rijk Zwaan will continue to release new varieties for trials and commercial introduction from our worldwide breeding programmes. Please contact your local sales representative for more information, as they can provide information on availability of trial varieties and commercial varieties with HR resistance to ToBRFV.
What you need to know about ToBRFV
The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) is an emerging and rapidly spreading plant virus and has a major impact on global tomato production and distribution.
The right ToBRFV strategy for your situation
Resistant genetics are only part of an effective ToBRFV strategy. The best combination of Rugose Defense rootstocks and scions depends on the cultivation system, virus pressure and greenhouse hygiene. In this article, David Herzog, Tomato Crop Specialist at Rijk Zwaan, explains which approach fits different growing situations.
"Rugose Defense yielded excellent results"
After introducing the first tomato varieties with high resistance to ToBRFV from the new Rugose Defense line, we are now able to share grower stories about their experiences with growing the high-resistant tomato varieties.