Information
In this series, our Senior Researcher Phytopathology Manus Thoen takes on the myths that spread just as fast as the virus itself. Together with experts from our breeding, diagnostics, pathology, and molecular biology departments, he unpacks common misconceptions about HREZ, Enza Zaden’s High Resistance to ToBRFV.
In this first episode, Manus explores the longstanding belief that resistance inevitably reduces yield or plant performance. He breaks the myth into its two traditional components: the idea that a resistance mechanism might drain energy or slow growth, and the historical issue of unwanted traits hitchhiking alongside resistance genes from wild ancestors.
Through greenhouse demonstrations, a clear explanation of active resistance, and a look at how modern breeding cleans up introgressions, Manus examines whether either of these “costs of resistance” still apply to HREZ. Molecular marker specialist Walter explains why HREZ could be refined efficiently, and breeder Martijn shows how resistance is only the starting point for building full elite performance. Together, they investigate whether HREZ truly carries the trade-offs growers once feared.
Strong decisions start with solid information. By combining what we know from breeding, research and agricultural practice, this series cuts through the noise and highlights what truly matters for managing ToBRFV in modern tomato production.