HREZ, protection for tomato cultivation
The Tomato Rugose Virus (ToBRFV) represents one of the greatest threats to tomato cultivation. It was detected in Israel in 2014, but its expansion has been so rapid that it is now present throughout the world.
ToBRFV acts in a similar way to the ToMV/TMV virus. Both are characterised by their easy and fast transmission, causing losses to farmers, even leading to supply interruptions for supermarket chains. Enza Zaden is a pioneer with the discovery of the High Resistance gene (HREZ). This gene is different from other forms of resistance since it is the only one that actively blocks the virus and prevents its multiplication and propagation. With other forms of resistance, the virus’ multiplication is slowed down, but it does not disappear. Instead, it becomes more concentrated in the crop, giving rise to production losses and greater uncertainty for subsequent campaigns.
The work carried out by Enza Zaden has allowed the firm to develop commercial HREZ varieties available for the main tomato types adapted to different production areas.
HREZ stands for protection of tomato cultivation today, but also security for the future. For this reason, the seed house emphasises the need for HREZ varieties combined with the recommended preventive and phytosanitary measures to eradicate the virus.
