BASF Vegetable Seeds (Nunhems® brand) has developed the Ronvine, a new seed variety for grape tomatoes that is resistant to the Tomato Brown Rough Fruit Virus (ToBRFV).
"We have developed the Ronvine in a very specific manner. We use two strategies to develop varieties resistant to ToBRFV. One is to create a variety by introducing the ToBRFV resistance gene via crossbreeding, and the other is to use existing varieties and introduce the resistance gene by backcrossing. This is what we call the fast track. The Ronvine is produced using a fast-track process. The big advantage is that we already know the variety in detail: taste, shelf life, appearance," explains Barbara Jodeau, head of marketing and customer relations communication at BASF.
This spring, several cases of the tomato ToBRFV virus have been reported, according to the company. "Many growers want to protect themselves against this risk and are now turning to resistant varieties. This variety retains the essential characteristics expected of a tomato: productivity, presentation, earliness, and even tolerance to powdery mildew." © BASF
"The Ronvine is a vigorous plant that is easy to grow. It has a beautiful fruit shape and a dark red color. The cluster's presentation is also nice, with flat, thick green parts. It has a fruit weight of 140-160g and can be pruned to 5 and 6 tomatoes. It also has a very good level of resistance and a high yield potential."
This new variety has received "very positive feedback. We have already received a lot of seed orders for Ronvine. We are seeing a lot of interest from North American and European growers, as well as from Turkey and Central Asia."
The ToBRFV virus: a priority for the development of new varieties?
"By 2024, all our material and variety trials will have ToBRFV resistance. We are proud to be able to provide such a rapid solution to an international problem, which will help ensure the long-term future of tomato production."
"This is the top priority for all segments!" according to the company. "Our main segments are large-caliber tomatoes (130-170g), medium-caliber tomatoes (100-130g), cocktail tomatoes (35-60g), cherry tomatoes (10-20g), snack tomatoes (10-15g), and intense tomatoes: Plum (100g), Beef (150-250g) and Round (120-150g)."
For more information:
BASF
nunhems.com/fr