Questions & Answers

All about ToBRFV

What is ToBRFV?

Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) is a plant virus in the genus “Tobamovirus”. Since it was first discovered in Israel in 2014, the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) has spread to parts of Europe, America, Asia and Africa, and continues to easily spread via mechanical transmission. Symptoms on the fruits include yellow spots, wrinkled patches and brown scars that render the crop unsellable.

What is the difference between IR and HR?

In short: HR is superior to IR.

Two levels of resistance are defined: 

• I. High resistance (HR): plant varieties that highly restrict the growth and development of the specified pest or pathogen under normal pest or pathogen pressure when compared to susceptible varieties. These plant varieties may, however, exhibit some symptoms or damage under heavy pest or pathogen pressure.
• II. Intermediate resistance (IR): plant varieties that restrict the growth and development of the specified pest or pathogen, but may exhibit a greater range of symptoms or damage compared to highly resistant varieties. Intermediately resistant plant varieties will still show less severe symptoms or damage than susceptible plant varieties when grown under similar environmental conditions and/or pest or pathogen pressure.

Why is this resistance so important?

This resistance to ToBRFV virus will improve the revenue of the growers and secure the supply of healthy food to consumers (tomato as one of the most popular vegetables).

Is this GMO?

Our resistance to this virus is not a GMO. It is a result of traditional breeding methods.  

Will Enza Zaden introduce this resistance globally?

We will introduce this HR resistance to ToBRFV worldwide. Enza Zaden is a globally active company providing innovative varieties and solutions to customers all over the globe.