#Israel #NRGene #NESS ZIONA #ToBRFV #HW Seeds

NRGene's Revolutionary Tomato Seeds: A Game Changer for Farmers

In a significant development for farmers facing the devastating Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV), NRGene has announced the successful commercial sale of tomato seeds that incorporate its High Resistance (HR) trait. This breakthrough in agricultural genomics promises to bring enhanced protection and improved fruit quality to farmers around the globe. Developed in partnership with Philoseeds, these seeds represent a pivotal step in combating one of the most pressing challenges in greenhouse tomato production.

The Threat of ToBRFV

The emergence of ToBRFV has caused alarm in the agricultural community due to its severe impact on tomato crops, leading to significant losses in key growing regions. The virus poses a substantial threat to both yield and quality, pushing growers to seek innovative solutions. NRGene's HR trait, proven through rigorous testing and extensive quality checks, is validated to provide durable resistance against this formidable virus. Over a dozen companies in Europe, South Africa, and the USA have already licensed this technology, which is coupled with efficient DNA marker sets for accelerated integration into premium tomato varieties.

Market Availability and Grower Feedback

After successful pilot programs in Switzerland and Canada during the 2024-2025 season, NRGene's HR tomatoes are now available for commercial cultivation. One of the first market participants, HW Seeds, is harnessing NRGene's HR trait to enhance its tomato portfolio. Roel Huisman, director of HW Seeds, shared the positive feedback from growers, emphasizing that their customers are now experiencing a reliability that was previously unattainable with existing resistance solutions.

Praise from Growers

Marco Stricker, director of PurNatur, a pioneering grower utilizing HW Seeds' HR-resistant tomatoes, expressed his relief and satisfaction with the results. “These tomatoes finally give us peace of mind,” he stated. Farmers are witnessing healthy plants and high-quality fruits, signifying a promising horizon in dealing with ToBRFV. This real-world impact reaffirms the need for innovation in agriculture, aiming to fortify farms against such threats.

From Concept to Commercialization

The partnership between NRGene and Philoseeds began with the initial mapping of resistance to ToBRFV in 2022. The remarkable speed in transitioning from scientific advancement to market readiness—less than four years—is a testament to NRGene's commitment to providing actionable solutions for the agricultural industry. With positive trial results echoing across Europe and the U.S., NRGene is hopeful that more breeding companies will adopt their HR trait, collectively bolstering the agriculture sector against ToBRFV complications.

Conclusion

This successful commercialization marks a pivotal moment not just for NRGene but for the entire tomato-growing community. As they roll out these seeds, farmers gain a robust tool to secure their crops against ToBRFV while enjoying high-quality yields. NRGene's commitment to innovative technologies continues to advance the field of genomics in agriculture, addressing urgent needs with practical solutions.

For further details on NRGene and its agricultural innovations, visit their website at www.nrgene.com.