PEACE OF MIND IN THE GREENHOUSE STARTS WITH THE FACTS
peace of mind in the greenhouse
start with the facts
Since ToBRFV first emerged, the industry has shared a common goal: making the virus manageable. Breeders, growers, and supply chain partners have invested tens of millions of euros in genetics, research, and prevention over the past several years. Those investments have delivered results. Today, modern tomato varieties possess a high level of resistance, and the resilience of tomato crops is greater than ever.
Recently, however, we’ve increasingly heard claims that “ToBRFV resistance has been overcome.” That is a serious claim that is not supported by the available evidence. It’s time to separate fact from speculation.
THE FACTS ABOUT TOBRFV RESISTANCE
- Independent monitoring, international virus tracking [Nextstrain], and both our own and independent laboratory research show that new virus clusters are circulating within tomato production. At the same time, the available data do not indicate that current HR resistance has been overcome. What we can conclude, however, is that new introductions of the virus and high infection pressure are playing an increasingly important role in the problems growers are experiencing in commercial production. This is consistent with the Dutch NVWA’s warning that the spread of contaminated material remains the greatest risk to the industry. [NVWA]
- And that is precisely the key point. Genetics is not the weakest link. The most important task is, and always will be keeping the virus out of the greenhouse.
THE LONGER THE VIRUS STAYS OUT, THE BETTER THE CROP CAN PERFORM
A SUCCESSFUL ToBRFV STRATEGY BEGINS WITH TWO CHOICES:
- 1. Choose a highly resistant variety.
- Modern HR varieties provide the foundation for a resilient crop and significantly reduce the impact of virus pressure.
- 2. Consistently follow strict hygiene protocols.
- Resistance is not a substitute for hygiene—it complements it. Every introduction of the virus that is prevented from entering the greenhouse directly contributes to productivity, fruit quality, and crop security.
OUR ADVICE: BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION
We recommend that growers choose an approach based on a strong genetic foundation combined with rigorous hygiene protocols.
Additional measures that imply an HR-resistant variety requires extra protection—such as vaccination—are not permitted and are therefore strongly discouraged. Recent international publications have also shown that this approach can lead to higher virus pressure and increased spread of specific virus clusters. Moreover, high virus pressure increases the likelihood that new virus variants will emerge and spread. For this reason, prevention remains the most sustainable long-term strategy. [American Phytopathological Society]
We also encourage growers to look beyond resistance claims alone when selecting a variety. Ultimately, what matters is the overall performance of the variety: yield, fruit quality, uniformity, flavor, and reliability throughout the entire growing season.
SIX YEARS OF DATA. NEW INSIGHTS EVERY DAY.
At Axia, we have been incorporating ToBRFV resistance throughout our tomato portfolio since 2019. We continuously monitor the virus through field observations, internationally available data, and both our own and independent laboratory research. This enables us to understand not only what is happening today, but also what may matter tomorrow.
We translate that knowledge into varieties that consistently deliver what growers expect: vigorous growth, reliable production, and high yields.
Because ultimately, ToBRFV is not just about resistance. It’s about combining a resistant variety with the right growing practices. And in the end, that’s what matters most: a successful growing season.
questions about resistances or our varieties?
Send an email to tobrfv@axiaseeds.com
