Virus-Resistant Tomatoes Set To Safeguard Grower Incomes And Crop Quality

Tomato growers battling the persistent threat of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) may soon find relief thanks to a new generation of virus-resistant hybrids launched by Bayer.

The German agrochemical giant has developed a suite of tomato varieties featuring multi-stacked resistance genes designed to deliver longer-lasting protection against ToBRFV, including emerging strains that can overcome traditional single-gene defences.

While earlier generations of resistant tomatoes have helped protect yield and quality, the virus’s ability to rapidly mutate means varieties with only one resistance gene are increasingly vulnerable.

Bayer’s latest innovation uses a stacked-gene approach to disrupt multiple stages of the virus's infection cycle. This, the company claims, provides more durable and effective protection – without compromising on fruit quality.

“Resistance-breaking ToBRFV remains a long-term threat to grower incomes, so they need longer-lasting solutions without sacrificing produce quality,” said Javier Quintero of Bayer’s crop science division. “We tested several new ToBRFV-resistant hybrids, and we confirmed that they hold up against the resistance-breaking virus. We expect growers to see similar results under similar growing conditions, which is very exciting.”

ToBRFV is a significant concern for UK growers, causing symptoms like brown wrinkled patches, leaf mosaics, and stunted plant growth – all of which impact both yield and marketability.

Bayer conducted two robust trials under high virus pressure, using both standard and resistance-breaking strains of ToBRFV. The results were compelling: while non-resistant control plants quickly succumbed to severe symptoms, the new multi-resistant hybrids remained healthy throughout.

The first commercialised hybrids featuring Bayer’s stacked resistance include the De Ruiter red beef Ferreira and pink beef Futumaru varieties. Looking ahead to 2025, the company plans to expand the offering with resistant hybrids for Large Truss, Medium Truss, Cocktail and Cherry Plum Truss, and new Beef tomato types.

Early trial data indicates that these new hybrids also deliver strong agronomic performance, making them a promising tool in the fight against one of the tomato industry’s most costly and disruptive viruses.