Rijk Zwaan continues to advance its tomato breeding programmes in a context where Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) remains a decisive factor in growers’ varietal choices.
Manuel Hernández, Tomato Crop Specialist, highlights that the goal is not only to provide resistance, but to do so without compromising other key crop parameters. In this regard, he notes that the materials in its renewed portfolio maintain production levels, fruit quality and flavour comparable to— and in some cases even higher than—previous non-resistant varieties.
From long shelf life to oxheart
Rijk Zwaan’s main development lines, by commercial segment, include:
In loose and long shelf life tomatoes, Rychka RZ remains the benchmark, while Aluwa RZ, introduced two years ago, is consolidating its presence in Murcia in spring–summer cycles with G–GG calibre fruits. Alongside these, the company is advancing new pre-commercial lines such as 24S2147, following the Rychka RZ concept and incorporating high resistance. This novelty will soon receive a commercial name.
In the plum tomato segment, Rijk Zwaan offers resistant materials aimed at export markets such as Alginet RZ, commercial since last season, and the new 74-PL0006, currently in the pre-commercial phase. The latter presents agronomic improvements compared to existing references. For the domestic market, the company also offers Barmet RZ, without resistance.
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Meanwhile, Ricosol RZ maintains its leadership in cluster tomatoes. It is currently the main reference in Spain within this segment, alongside Fierasol RZ for shorter cycles and Durasol RZ, which can be harvested both on the vine and loose (round). Rijk Zwaan is also working on new larger-calibre materials that will be launched soon.
A notable development is the resistant beef tomato 24S4064, which expands the offer in this segment and is expected to be commercialised from the next campaign. It is a robust variety, adapted to different cycles and growing areas, with high percentages of GG calibre fruit.
Another novelty is an oxheart tomato currently in the pre-commercial phase. This specialty stands out for its high yield and uniform calibre, designed for fresh consumption and salads.
Cherry tomatoes with flavour and consistency
In loose cherry tomatoes, following Cuarzyta RZ, the new introduction is Coralyta RZ. Hernández highlights its uniform calibre, good firmness, consistent colour and a balanced flavour profile—very crunchy with a slight acidity. The variety is suitable for autumn, winter, spring and summer cycles.
Within the cluster cherry segment, Talavante RZ fits into the commodity-plus category, combining good colour and flavour (around 9 Brix) with a stable production profile, positioning it between standard and premium greenhouse varieties.
For those preferring plum cherry tomatoes, Abrametto RZ and Laurencetto RZ are ideal options for loose harvest, completing Rijk Zwaan’s offer in this segment. Both provide good yield, intense red colour and uniform calibre throughout the campaign, along with excellent shelf life and high resistance to ToBRFV. They differ in shape: Abrametto RZ has a slightly more square finish, while Laurencetto RZ is more elongated.
Rootstocks: added protection under stress conditions
As a complement to high-resistance tomato varieties, Rijk Zwaan offers a range of rootstocks also featuring high resistance—an ideal tool under high virus pressure or challenging agronomic conditions.
The company offers three options with different vigour levels, recommended depending on tomato type and stress conditions:
Callum RZ, with medium-high vigour, generally recommended for cherries, beef and ribbed tomatoes
Brantley RZ, with slightly more vigour than Emperador RZ, ideal for plum, cluster and long shelf life tomatoes
Tirian RZ, the most vigorous, recommended for depleted soils, high salinity or extreme climate conditions, where rootstocks help “reinforce crop protection, always starting from varieties with genetic resistance”
