Key Takeaways:
- NRGene begins commercial sales of tomato seeds carrying High Resistance (HR) to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV).
- Seeds were developed in partnership with Philoseeds and tested successfully in Switzerland and Canada.
- HW Seeds and PurNatur report strong field performance, consistent yields, and premium fruit quality.
- The HR trait has been licensed to over a dozen companies across Europe, South Africa, and the USA.
- NRGene expects wider adoption as growers seek solutions to ToBRFV challenges.
NRGene Begins Commercial Rollout
NRGene (TASE: NRGN) announced the start of commercial sales of tomato seeds with its High Resistance (HR) trait to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). Developed in partnership with Philoseeds, the seeds mark the first large-scale adoption of NRGene’s genetics by growers following trials in Switzerland and Canada during the 2024–2025 season.
NRGene Addressing ToBRFV Threats
ToBRFV has become a major issue for global greenhouse tomato production, contributing to significant crop losses. NRGene’s HR trait, supported by DNA marker sets for rapid breeding, has been licensed to more than a dozen seed companies in Europe, South Africa, and the USA.
“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,” said Dr. Gil Ronen, CEO of NRGene.
Feedback From Seed Companies & Growers
HW Seeds has introduced full product lines carrying the HR trait. “Our customers are experiencing the benefits of real high resistance,” said Roel Huisman, Director of HW Seeds. “Yields remain consistent, and fruit quality meets market expectations.”
PurNatur, among the first growers to adopt HW Seeds’ resistant varieties, reported similar success. “These tomatoes finally give us peace of mind,” said Marco Stricker, Director of PurNatur. “Plants are healthy, and fruit quality is high.”
From Research to Commercialization
NRGene and Philoseeds first mapped ToBRFV resistance in 2022. Within four years, the HR trait was integrated into elite hybrids, tested, and moved to commercial sales. With field trials across Europe and the U.S. confirming its effectiveness, NRGene expects growing industry adoption of its resistant genetics to help safeguard tomato production.
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