Hazera lanceert ToBRFV-resistente rassen in Mexico
Posted on Nov 10, 2022
Hazera lanceert eerste resistente rassen voor de Mexicaanse markt tijdens het belangrijkste evenement voor de landbouw in Latijns-Amerika – EXPO AgroAlimentaria Guanajuato® 2022 in Mexico.
ToBRFV is zeer merkbaar in Mexico en telers hebben te maken gehad met verminderde opbrengsten en gehavend fruit. ToBRFV is een enorm probleem voor de tomatenteelt en beïnvloedt de opbrengst en vruchtkwaliteit met kleurproblemen en bruine vlekken op fruit die direct van invloed zijn op de verhandelbare opbrengst.
Sinds ToBRFV tomatentelers over de hele wereld trof, heeft Hazera’s R&D-team jarenlang onvermoeibaar gewerkt aan het vinden van rassen die een effectief niveau van ToBRFV-resistentie kunnen bieden zonder de opbrengst en vruchtkwaliteit in gevaar te brengen. “Deze inspanningen omvatten diepgaande proeven op veel locaties, onder verschillende omstandigheden op een wereldwijde schaal, om te bevestigen dat we in staat zijn om oplossingen te bieden, met de juiste balans tussen prestaties en ToBRFV-bescherming”, aldus Alejandro Szechtman, Hazera’s Portfolio Marketing Director .
Met de optimale balans tussen bescherming en prestatie is Canelo, één van Hazera’s tomatenrassen met resistentie tegen ToBRFV.
Een onbepaalde Roma-soort met een krachtige plant, die een evenwichtige opbrengst behoudt onder ongunstige omgevingsomstandigheden. Dankzij het brede scala aan resistenties. “Door middel van uitgebreide proeven met Canelo in verschillende regio’s van Mexico, biedt Canelo een hoge opbrengst, uitstekende vruchtkwaliteit, goede rijping met een intens rode kleur en uitstekende stevigheid”, aldus Javier Angulo, Product Development Manager, Mexico.
Hazera announces varieties with intermediate resistance (IR) to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) in pipeline
Hazera is proud to announce the launch of our ToBRFV intermediate resistant varieties- the optimal balance between protection and performance– providing the grower an effective tool to face the highly infectious virus, infecting tomato plants, fruit and affecting growers worldwide. The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus poses a constant threat to growers worldwide, significantly reducing yields, affecting the quality of fruit, and systematically infecting other plants, as it is a very transmittable virus that can infect through soil, tools, water, and people’s contact.
Since ToBRFV hit, Hazera’s R&D team has been working tirelessly to find varieties capable of giving an effective level of ToBRFV resistance without compromising the yield and fruit quality we’ve invested years to perfect. Over the course of several years, Hazera researchers and agronomists invested endless resources to find solutions to address our growers’ needs worldwide. Moreover, according to Alejandro Szechtman, Hazera’s Portfolio Marketing Director, “These efforts included in-depth trials in many locations, under different conditions in a global scale, to confirm that we are able to provide the optimal solutions, with the right balance between performance and ToBRFV protection”.
Hazera is proud to announce a wide ToBRFV resistant variety pipeline worldwide, with which we will be able to tailor-make the optimal solution per market requirement, beginning with Italy, Greece, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, Israel etc’.
Hazera, through Limagrain’s upstream research, contributed to a network of internal and external collaborative discovery projects on ToBRFV using different approaches. This resulted in Limagrain being the first company to file a patent on ToBRFV resistance in tomato in 2017. While the first generation of tomato hybrids resistant to ToBRFV is being commercialized, Limagrain discovery programs continue to work intensively to find resistances against potential emergent more aggressive forms of this devastating virus.
“Our R&D efforts haven’t ended, we’re still investing to achieve higher resistance, and expand our portfolio to the benefit of growers worldwide,” said Szechtman.
Hazera is a global leader in the seed industry. Hazera has headquarters in both the Netherlands and Israel. We operate subsidiaries in 11 countries, together with a distribution network serving over 130 markets. Our partners operate in all kinds of climates, and under diverse growing conditions and market requirements. For over a century, our top priority has been walking alongside them, developing an enormous variety of seeds and providing comprehensive support every step of the way. Hazera’s team of experts works directly with growers to evaluate their needs, assist during variety selection and provide guidance and support throughout the crop cycle.
Hazera is part of the Limagrain Group, an international agri-business based in France. Being a farmers’ cooperative, the Limagrain Group understands the needs of its customers and has grown to become the largest seed company in Europe, specialising in vegetables, field crops and cereal products. Limagrain’s vegetable seed division is the second largest company in the industry.
by Dr. Yaniv Rotem – Solanaceae Pathologist, Hazera
General background
The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus – ToBRFV – is a relatively new viral disease, first appearing in the Middle East in 2014. The disease has since spread rapidly to many other areas in the world, and currently constitutes a major global problem in tomato crop production worldwide.
In Israel, all tomato production areas have been severely affected by ToBRFV, and the effects of the disease are evident both in the tomato greenhouses and fields, and in the quality and appearance of the fruits which are sold.
Symptoms of the disease
As a rule, the symptoms of the disease are similar to the typical symptoms of ToMV, but the severity of the symptoms can differ from that known with ToMV:
In the leaves – a mosaic appears, which is particularly noticeable on young leaves and at the growth vertices. In some cases, there is narrowing of the leaflet blade, and in certain cases the leaves become entirely threadlike (“shoestrings”).
In the fruit – yellow spots develop which become necrotic at a later stage. In some cases, “chocolate spots” appear on the fruit. In cases of severe damage, the fruit becomes wrinkled and distorted. The virus name (“Brown Rugose Fruit”) was given due to the wrinkled appearance together with the brown spots.
Note that in contrast to the characteristic situation when affected by ToMV, in which symptoms generally appear in the fruit only in cases of particularly severe damage to the foliage, in the case of ToBRFV – there is no connection between the severity of damage to the fruit and severity of damage to the foliage: there are situations in which serious damage to the fruit is observed while no symptoms appear on the leaves, or vice versa – cases of severe symptoms in the foliage and lack of symptoms in the fruit.
In certain cases – necrosis develops of the calyx of the fruit, the fruit peduncle, and the central spine of the cluster of fruit.
When a susceptible variety is infected with ToBRFV, the main damage is a significant weakening of the plant and its capability to produce clusters of fruits over a long season.
In the wake of the viral infection, tomato cultivation in Israel has changed entirely: due to the weakening of the plants, growers currently have almost no possibility to grow tomatoes in a long central season of 9-10 months as was customary before the virus’s appearance; instead, shorter growing seasons of 4-5 months are now customary, intended for harvesting a few clusters only.
Symptoms on leaves – severe mosaic and narrowing of some of the leaf lobes, to the point of appearing “thready”
Severe symptoms in the fruits
Symptoms of necrosis in the calyx, fruit peduncle and the spine of the cluster
Weakening of the plant as a result of viral infection in a susceptible variety (on right) compared to a variety that is largely similar to it but is resistant to the virus (on left).
How is the disease transmitted?
ToBRFV is very easily transmitted mechanically – by human contact, by work tools, support wires, or any entity that comes in physical contact with an infected plant or soil that contains the virus and later comes in contact with healthy plants. It is important to remember that particles of this virus are particularly resistant to environmental conditions, and are capable of surviving for long periods in soil or on infected surfaces.
Since the virus is capable of surviving in soil for a long period – the virus is also transferred with infected soil that is moved from one place to another (by sticking to shoes, to work tools that are moved from one plot to another, etc.).
The virus is transmitted in seeds – a seed produced from an infected plant is likely to carry virus particles on its surface.
The virus can also be transmitted by bumble bees, which serve to pollinate during the cultivation process.
Prevention and treatment
Since the outbreak of the disease, Hazera together with Limagrain Group have been working on a comprehensive study of the issue, in which tomato varieties with intermediate levels of resistance to the virus were developed. The first patent in the world for resistance to ToBRFV was registered by Limagrain in 2017. Using these varieties provides an optimal solution for growing tomatoes in conditions of infections with ToBRFV, while maintaining the varieties performance.
Observing phytosanitary rules is key to preventing the disease:
Making sure to have clean clothes, jackets and gloves for those entering the greenhouses.
Making sure to sterilize all equipment used.
Sterilizing shoes in an immersion pit upon entrance to the greenhouse.
Being strict about the order in which buildings are entered – the workday begins with the buildings housing the young, healthy plants and continues to the buildings housing the more mature plants.
Plants in which infection is discovered should be immediately removed from the greenhouse, being careful to avoid contact with neighboring plants.
Using healthy seeds and seedlings is another key to preventing the disease. Hazera is strict about performing health tests in licensed laboratories, according to international standards and the Plant Protection Services. Checking that seeds are free of ToBRFV is done by the ISHI Protocol, which is the international protocol accepted throughout the world.
Being strict about good sanitization – sterilizing the soil or growth medium and the greenhouse space when cultivation is completed.
At the 24th of May, Hazera will be attending the Global Tomato Congress in The Hague. Get to know everything you need about our tomatoes and chat with our experts. We are also presenting our latest new varieties during this day!
Besides you have the opportunity to taste our delicious snack tomato Camelot and to win fun prizes!
The Global Tomato Congress starts at 09:00uur at the following location:
Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre Den Haag
Waldorpstraat 15
2521 CA Den Haag
Wide range of newest tomato varieties in our demo greenhouse
Posted on Mar 15, 2022
Our dedicated High Tech tomato team started the preparations for our tomato demo at the Delphy Improvement Center in Bleiswijk.
The team, consisting of motivated colleagues from R&D to Commercial and Marketing planted a wide range of our newest hybrids in our screening and demo greenhouse. In this demo all important segments of the tomato category are present, like large loose, truss (large & medium) and Cherry (round & plum).
Partnerships During the season our team is monitoring the new tomato varieties very closely. Based upon all obtained insights and knowledge the best performing varieties, this can be on e.g. taste or yield, are selected. The information that we gather during the season is used to support and inform our partners all along the tomato value chain. Because together we grow the tomatoes of the future.
Highlights Over the last years Hazera has worked passionately to develop tasty tomatoes with benefits for the full produce chain. We are convinced that this year, again, we have a compartment full of exciting new varieties. This year we decided to expand our ‘high taste’ acreage in our greenhouse by 20%.
On display you will also find some highlights that are monitored for several years and which we are thrilled about. We are happy to present you the following great tasting varieties:
Camelot Camelot is a cherry plum variety (12-15 gr) which is very succesfull in Spain and Morocco.
This variety is the only variety which ripens to full red on the plant. In our HT demo we are doing agronomy trials to adapt for the High-Tech segment. Camelot has a high yield potential and has an excellent post-harvest quality, even up to 20 days and has very low waste percentages. The flavour, shape and colors are comparable with the benchmark in this segment.
Sensera A medium, great tasting, truss variety with an average weight of 95-110 grams.
The Sensera truss is best presented as a 6-pack and has a perfect on the shelve performance because of the firm green part which can also act as a natural handle. In consumer evaluations this variety scores very high on perceived freshness and buying intent. Even after 8 – 10 days.
Goutine
This large specialty tomato is known for its stunning and vintage taste experience.
The variety has an average fruit weight of 90-120 grams and is grown (and already famous) in multiple places around Europe.
Summersun Summersun is known to be the best tasting yellow cherry tomato in the market and has an average fruit weight of 10-12 grams. This tomato has a big entourage of enthusiasticpartners along the chain; the tomato thatputs a smile on the consumers face.
Curious? Curious about our varieties? Or other solutions we can offer?
Your invited to meet the team in our taste experience center @Delphy Improvement Center in Bleiswijk. In our mini supermarket you can taste the highlights and we can discuss our full program. Data performance is available.
Only togethergood tasting tomatoes and on-the–shelve concepts can grow into lasting partnerships.
We are happy to contact you for an appointment from April onwards. If you can’t wait, please contact our team.
The Perfect Snack Tomatoes? It’s All About Adjusting the Timing
Posted on Feb 10, 2022
An interview with: Arjan van Steekelenburg, Produce Chain Manager / Trade and Retail Account Manager Juan Jeronimo Montes, Product Development Specialist, Hazera España
Adults and children everywhere are opting more and more for new varieties of fresh produce that don’t require any special effort or preparation. In response to this global trend in healthy veggie snacking, Hazera, a global leader in the seed industry and tomatoes in particular, has developed the Camelot Tomato—a real “Tada” product that changes the game for the whole supply chain.
The Camelot is just like the legendary castle it was named after, a place of harmony and a stronghold. Its unique taste, flawless appearance, sweetness, and extraordinarily long shelf life make it worthy of its noble title.
For about 15 years, growers have been harvesting tomatoes while still green, and letting them ripen and redden during transportation. In this case, however, Arjan van Steekelenburg explained to us that: “Unlike most tomatoes of this kind, the Camelot should not be harvested too early. In order for it to reach full potential, growers must let it ripen on the vine, and pick it only once it has reached its unique shade of red. Nobody can manage the ripening process better than the plant itself. You just need to get the timing right for great results. From the moment the tomatoes are harvested, as they move along the entire supply chain and up to the consumer’s table… or often lunchbox nowadays, they will keep fresh and tasty for up to 20 days.”
And that is an amazing figure by any standards. Growers will fully reap the benefits once they make this shift in their minds. Not only them, but the entire supply chain will be optimized, because from the time they get on the retail shelf, Camelot tomatoes still have between 7-12 days of freshness left. As consumers, we can buy a larger weekly supply for our homes, knowing that if not on this weekend, we can still enjoy them the next one. Chances of that are slim though, because after tasting them, we don’t think anyone can resist eating them for so many days:)
The best part is that everyone gets to benefit from these advantages: growers, distributors, retailers, grocery shoppers, and whoever else consumes food at home.
Juan Jeronimo MONTES says: “We believe Camelot tomatoes represent a revolution in the sector for other reasons too. Even in regions with varying climates like Morocco and Spain, they can be grown and harvested all year round, throughout the seasons. These are highly productive plants that make for very profitable business, while consumers get more value for their money. Our team works closely with growers and distributors in these countries, providing advice, technical support, and assistance, regardless of location, growing method, or external conditions.”
Growers are tempted out of habit to harvest tomatoes green. These pictures illustrate how the fruit develops within 17 days, depending on the stage it was at when harvested:
Day 1 (harvest)
Day 17
It is clear that when Camelot tomatoes are harvested at the right time, red and ripe as shown on the middle column, they remain fresh and with great taste, brix, and no cracking on day 17!
Who Stands Behind the Camelot tomato?
Hazera, part of the French Limagrain Group, has decades of experience with state-of-the-art technology in breeding, developing, producing and marketing varieties and seeds in a wide range of vegetable crops around the world.
The company is headquartered in Israel and The Netherlands, with subsidiaries in twelve countries, and an extensive distribution and technical support network serving over 100 additional markets. This enables the team to anticipate and respond to local needs by creating varieties that fit specific climates, growing conditions, and market requirements.
In European supermarkets, the sales of snack tomatoes are increasing rapidly by approx. 20% per year. In The Netherlands, snack tomatoes have a market share of nearly 38%.
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Camelot
