#Israel #NRGene #NESS ZIONA #ToBRFV #tomato seeds

NRGene Launches Game-Changing ToBRFV-Resistant Tomato Seeds

In a notable advancement for agricultural science, NRGene has successfully commercialized tomato seeds equipped with its proprietary High Resistance (HR) trait specifically designed to combat the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). This milestone, reported from Ness Ziona, Israel, marks a significant step for farmers looking to enhance both the yield and quality of their tomato crops.

The Threat of ToBRFV

ToBRFV poses a considerable threat to tomato cultivation worldwide, leading to severe crop losses for growers across prime agricultural regions. Since its emergence, the virus has wreaked havoc in greenhouse settings, affecting the global supply chain and diminishing profitability for farmers. NRGene's innovative approach introduces an effective method for managing this challenge by deploying genetically resistant seeds that promise robust plant health and fruitful yields.

A Significant Leap Forward

Following successful pilot programs conducted in Switzerland and Canada during the 2024-2025 growing season, NRGene's HR seeds are now officially available for commercial purchase by farmers. These pilot projects demonstrated not only strong resistance to ToBRFV but also affirmed the premium quality of the fruits and consistent yields that result from the usages of these seeds. With this product expansion, NRGene is positioned at the forefront of the agricultural genomics industry, demonstrating how swift technological advances can lead to viable market solutions.

Dr. Gil Ronen, NRGene's CEO, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, "This milestone is more than just a first sale—it's proof that our High Resistance trait is validated, reliable, and already protecting the yield of tomato growers. By developing and applying efficient genomics markers, seed companies brought this solution to market faster, giving growers the confidence to keep producing despite ToBRFV."

Collaborations in the Field

HW Seeds, one of the early adopters of NRGene's high-resistance technology, has launched a full range of commercial tomato varieties that incorporate this innovative trait. With two successful years selling these seeds, they’ve observed a substantial impact on their customers' performances. Roel Huisman, Director of HW Seeds, highlights the advantages: "Our customers are experiencing the benefits of true high resistance. Plants are thriving under ToBRFV pressure, yields remain consistent, and fruit quality meets the expectations of demanding markets. This is not just another resistance; it’s a reliable, market-ready solution that restores grower confidence and enhances our product portfolio."

Meanwhile, Marco Stricker of PurNatur spoke highly of the significant change these seeds are bringing to their operations, expressing, "These tomatoes finally give us peace of mind. We can see the resistance in action; the plants are healthy, and the fruit quality is exemplary. This kind of innovation makes a genuine difference on the ground, providing us with a powerful tool to combat ToBRFV and protect our farms against this destructive virus."

From Lab to Market

The journey began when NRGene and its partner Philoseeds first mapped the genomic resistance to ToBRFV back in 2022. In less than four years, the HR trait was successfully integrated into elite hybrid tomato varieties, thoroughly tested in commercial trials, and is now available for farmers to purchase. This rapid transition from scientific breakthrough to market realization is unusual and highlights the evolving landscape of agricultural biotechnology. As more global breeding companies follow suit through similar trials, the effectiveness of these seeds against ToBRFV continues to be confirmed across Europe and the United States.

With commercialization now underway, NRGene anticipates that additional companies will increasingly adopt its HR trait, thereby bringing the agricultural industry closer to overcoming the formidable challenges posed by ToBRFV.

About NRGene

NRGene is a pioneering genomics company delivering comprehensive solutions for the seed, food, and agriculture sectors. Leveraging an extensive proprietary database and cutting-edge AI technologies, NRGene equips the world’s leading agricultural companies with tools that enhance crop yields while optimizing time and resources. Through its introduction of ToBRFV-resistant tomatoes, NRGene is addressing an urgent need in the industry.

For more information about NRGene and its groundbreaking initiatives, visit www.nrgene.com.