The tomato segment continues to evolve with new varieties adapted to today’s phytosanitary challenges. Bayer, through its Seminis and De Ruiter brands, has introduced three new beef tomato varieties that stand out for their resistance and high productivity. “This year, we have skyrocketed tomato sales in the Murcia region, mainly, and we are also performing well in Seville,” says Juan Baraza, Commercial Technician at Bayer.
The highlight is SVTH5912, a G-GG caliber beef tomato offering intermediate resistance to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV), along with resistance to Fusarium, Spotted Wilt, TMV, Verticillium, Nematodes, and Stemphylium. “The latter is especially important in mesh-covered crops, as the disease accelerates plant aging,” explains Baraza. “In Mazarrón, the epicenter of the ToBRFV outbreak, and in Águilas, this variety has always performed exceptionally well, with no issues affecting plants or fruit quality,” he adds. In Murcia, under mesh, it can be transplanted in spring until April and in autumn from mid-June to late July.
In greenhouses, the planting cycle extends from mid-August to March. Its yield is outstanding, exceeding 15 kg/m² under plastic in optimal conditions, with harvesting possible at breaker and red stages. Bayer recommends vigorous rootstocks to optimize plant development. For spring and summer crops, Vitalfort is the best option. For winter crops, DR0141TX is recommended for its exceptional vigor.
A precise nutritional strategy is also essential:
“We do not recommend applying excessive nitrogen or high irrigation doses, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth rather than fruit development,” Baraza explains. Since its commercial launch in September last year, SVTH5912 has been well received in the market. “Customers have had no complaints. It is an excellent alternative for the beef tomato segment.”
More Beef Tomato options
Alongside SVTH5912, Bayer offers two other beef tomato varieties:
- Novero
- DRTH2913
Both feature intermediate resistance to ToBRFV, Fusarium, Spotted Wilt, Nematodes, TMV, Verticillium, and Stemphylium, with similar management practices to SVTH5912.
RELATED NEWS: Novero, the new beefsteak tomato from Bayer, fighting against ToBRFV
Novero has already gained recognition for its exceptional performance in greenhouses, particularly in August and September plantings, with calibers ranging from G to GGG. “Farmers who try it never switch back,” Baraza highlights. DRTH2913, launched in September last year, offers slightly larger calibers, reaching GGG.
Bayer’s Commitment to Tomato Innovation
Bayer continues to expand its portfolio of beef tomato varieties resistant to ToBRFV and is already testing new Canary-type tomato options for 2026.
“We are taking it step by step, with no rush but without pause,” Baraza states.
Bayer is strengthening its position in the tomato market, providing solutions that combine phytosanitary security, high productivity, and adaptability to growers’ needs.
