From the very appearance of ToBRFV, which meant a threat for the entire tomato industry, Enza Zaden started its research work to find a gene that would provide resistance to ToBRFV and, consequently, be able to develop varieties with this resistance. Once the resistance gene was found, the improvement team started with the first parental cross-pollinations to obtain hybrids. The results of this research were highly promising, not only due to their resistance, but also due to the characteristics of these varieties in flavour, colour, post-harvest, production… All of Enza Zaden’s varieties resistant to ToBRFV are marketed with the HREZ stamp.
The HREZ varieties act in such a way that when a virus particle enters a plant, the cells around the virus die and subsequently the virus also dies. In this way, they do not multiply and the plant is not a focal point of infection. With other sources of resistance, the virus stops multiplying, but does not disappear and the concentration of virus continues to grow in the crop, giving rise to losses in production and greater uncertainty for the following campaigns.
Today, Enza Zaden has commercial HREZ varieties available in all the main tomato types that make up a complete portfolio for Spain, adapted to the different production areas.
HREZ is not just a synonym for the protection of the tomato crops at present, but for future safety as well. The use of HREZ varieties, alongside the preventive steps and recommended plant protections, is essential to eradicate the virus and prevent breaks in the supply chains.
For the plum cherry tomato segment, the new developments are Pascua and Ponza, with resistance to ToBRFV, TYLCV and Ff (Fulvia fulva). They stand out due to their high productivity and good Brix degree level.
In plum type, the varieties with HREZ are Cedros and Azores.
In Beefsteak, they have Arkoi and Lanzarote for harvesting green and calibres of over 200 g, ideal for the Spanish home market.
Having HREZ varieties does not only help farmers to obtain profitability, quality and volume, but also to guarantee the supply. Alongside these varieties, Enza Zaden is working to extend the HREZ portfolio in all the typologies.
