In this series, our Senior Researcher Phytopathology Manus Thoen takes on the myths about HREZ that spread just as fast as the virus itself. Together with experts from our breeding, diagnostics, pathology, and molecular biology, he unpacks misconceptions about HREZ, our High Resistance to ToBRFV.
Across five episodes, we explore the most common HREZ myths
Is resistance really a trade‑off? Manus breaks down what the science shows.
Myth 2: “Hot days permanently break HREZ resistance.”
Do warm days have a lasting impact on resistance — or is this a myth?
Myth 3: “More genes are better than one gene.”
Is more always better, or is the truth more nuanced?
Myth 4: “HREZ will be easily broken by ToBRFV mutant strains.”
How vulnerable is HREZ to mutations? We examine the evidence.
Myth 5: “Hygiene doesn’t matter when you grow HREZ.”
Why good hygiene practices in cultivation remain essential.
Bonus myth:
“With a resistant scion, you don’t need a resistant rootstock.”
Why combining works
We start off this series with a very persistent myth: The myth that resistance, like HREZ, always comes at a significant cost. A cost of production, a cost of yield, a cost of plant performance. Something needs to give.