Hazera launches ToBRFV resistant varieties in Mexico

Hazera launches ToBRFV resistant varieties in Mexico

After having announced the pipeline of its ToBRFV resistant varieties, Hazera is proud to launch its first resistant varieties for the Mexican market and showcase them at the most important event for agriculture in Latin America- EXPO AgroAlimentaria Guanajuato® 2022 in Mexico.

 

ToBRFV launch

ToBRFV is very noticeable in Mexico and growers have been faced with diminished yields and battered fruit. ToBRFV is a huge problem for tomato production, affecting the yield and fruit quality with coloring issues and brown spots on fruits impacting directly on the marketable yield.

Since ToBRFV hit tomato growers worldwide, Hazera’s R&D team has been working tirelessly, for several years, to find varieties capable of giving an effective level of ToBRFV resistance without compromising the yield and fruit quality. “These efforts included in-depth trials in many locations, under different conditions in a global scale, to confirm that we are able to provide solutions, with the right balance between performance and ToBRFV protection”, according to Alejandro Szechtman, Hazera’s Portfolio Marketing Director.

With the optimal balance between protection and performance, Canelo, one of Hazera’s tomato varieties with resistance to ToBRFV, is an indeterminate Roma type with a vigorous plant, which maintains a balanced yield under adverse environmental conditions, due to its wide array of resistances. “Through vast trialing of Canelo in most regions of Mexico, including San Luis Potosi, Baja California, Michoacan, Sinaloa, and Coahuila, Canelo provides high yield, excellent fruit quality, good maturation with an intense red color, as well as excellent firmness, maintaining L and XL sizes with average weights of 150 to 160 grams throughout the production cycle”, according to Javier Angulo- Product Development Manager, Mexico.

 

“Canelo”

Canelo is a very productive variety, ideal for growing in a net house or greenhouse. Additionally, with its ToBRFV resistance, Canelo is able to serve the Mexican grower as an effective tool to face the highly infectious virus, which is supported by local growers, who claim that “Canelo is a very strong and healthy plant with outstanding high fruit quality.”

Looking forward, “Hazera is continuing its efforts to provide effective varieties to better cope with ToBRFV on a global scale and, in Mexico, will launch several new varieties, including the up and coming, new Indeterminate Grape Tomato, ‘Pendragon’, a variety that combines ToBRFV IR resistance with high yield, long shelf life, and good taste, following our commitment to provide growers varieties with the optimal balance between protection and performance,” says Alejandro Szechtman.

 

ToBRFV range / “Pendragon”

Press Release: IR ToBRFV varieties in pipeline

Press release
August 2022

Hazera announces varieties with intermediate resistance (IR) to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) in pipeline

Hazera is proud to announce the launch of our ToBRFV intermediate resistant varieties- the optimal balance between protection and performance– providing the grower an effective tool to face the highly infectious virus, infecting tomato plants, fruit and affecting growers worldwide. The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus poses a constant threat to growers worldwide, significantly reducing yields, affecting the quality of fruit, and systematically infecting other plants, as it is a very transmittable virus that can infect through soil, tools, water, and people’s contact.

Since ToBRFV hit, Hazera’s R&D team has been working tirelessly to find varieties capable of giving an effective level of ToBRFV resistance without compromising the yield and fruit quality we’ve invested years to perfect. Over the course of several years, Hazera researchers and agronomists invested endless resources to find solutions to address our growers’ needs worldwide. Moreover, according to Alejandro Szechtman, Hazera’s Portfolio Marketing Director, “These efforts included in-depth trials in many locations, under different conditions in a global scale, to confirm that we are able to provide the optimal solutions, with the right balance between performance and ToBRFV protection”.

Hazera is proud to announce a wide ToBRFV resistant variety pipeline worldwide, with which we will be able to tailor-make the optimal solution per market requirement, beginning with Italy, Greece, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, Israel etc’.

Hazera, through Limagrain’s upstream research, contributed to a network of internal and external collaborative discovery projects on ToBRFV using different approaches. This resulted in Limagrain being the first company to file a patent on ToBRFV resistance in tomato in 2017. While the first generation of tomato hybrids resistant to ToBRFV is being commercialized, Limagrain discovery programs continue to work intensively to find resistances against potential emergent more aggressive forms of this devastating virus.

“Our R&D efforts haven’t ended, we’re still investing to achieve higher resistance, and expand our portfolio to the benefit of growers worldwide,” said Szechtman.

Hazera is a global leader in the seed industry. Hazera has headquarters in both the Netherlands and Israel. We operate subsidiaries in 11 countries, together with a distribution network serving over 130 markets. Our partners operate in all kinds of climates, and under diverse growing conditions and market requirements. For over a century, our top priority has been walking alongside them, developing an enormous variety of seeds and providing comprehensive support every step of the way. Hazera’s team of experts works directly with growers to evaluate their needs, assist during variety selection and provide guidance and support throughout the crop cycle.

Hazera is part of the Limagrain Group, an international agri-business based in France. Being a farmers’ cooperative, the Limagrain Group understands the needs of its customers and has grown to become the largest seed company in Europe, specialising in vegetables, field crops and cereal products. Limagrain’s vegetable seed division is the second largest company in the industry.

ToBRFV in Tomato Plants

by Dr. Yaniv Rotem – Solanaceae Pathologist, Hazera

 

General background

The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus – ToBRFV – is a relatively new viral disease, first appearing in the Middle East in 2014. The disease has since spread rapidly to many other areas in the world, and currently constitutes a major global problem in tomato crop production worldwide.

In Israel, all tomato production areas have been severely affected by ToBRFV, and the effects of the disease are evident both in the tomato greenhouses and fields, and in the quality and appearance of the fruits which are sold.

 

Symptoms of the disease

As a rule, the symptoms of the disease are similar to the typical symptoms of ToMV, but the severity of the symptoms can differ from that known with ToMV:

  • In the leaves – a mosaic appears, which is particularly noticeable on young leaves and at the growth vertices. In some cases, there is narrowing of the leaflet blade, and in certain cases the leaves become entirely threadlike (“shoestrings”).
  • In the fruit – yellow spots develop which become necrotic at a later stage. In some cases, “chocolate spots” appear on the fruit. In cases of severe damage, the fruit becomes wrinkled and distorted. The virus name (“Brown Rugose Fruit”) was given due to the wrinkled appearance together with the brown spots.
  • Note that in contrast to the characteristic situation when affected by ToMV, in which symptoms generally appear in the fruit only in cases of particularly severe damage to the foliage, in the case of ToBRFV – there is no connection between the severity of damage to the fruit and severity of damage to the foliage: there are situations in which serious damage to the fruit is observed while no symptoms appear on the leaves, or vice versa – cases of severe symptoms in the foliage and lack of symptoms in the fruit.
  • In certain cases – necrosis develops of the calyx of the fruit, the fruit peduncle, and the central spine of the cluster of fruit.
  • When a susceptible variety is infected with ToBRFV, the main damage is a significant weakening of the plant and its capability to produce clusters of fruits over a long season.

In the wake of the viral infection, tomato cultivation in Israel has changed entirely: due to the weakening of the plants, growers currently have almost no possibility to grow tomatoes in a long central season of 9-10 months as was customary before the virus’s appearance; instead, shorter growing seasons of 4-5 months are now customary, intended for harvesting a few clusters only.

 

Symptoms on leaves – severe mosaic and narrowing of some of the leaf lobes, to the point of appearing “thready”

 

Severe symptoms in the fruits

Symptoms of necrosis in the calyx, fruit peduncle and the spine of the cluster

Weakening of the plant as a result of viral infection in a susceptible variety (on right) compared to a variety that is largely similar to it but is resistant to the virus (on left).

 

How is the disease transmitted?

  • ToBRFV is very easily transmitted mechanically – by human contact, by work tools, support wires, or any entity that comes in physical contact with an infected plant or soil that contains the virus and later comes in contact with healthy plants. It is important to remember that particles of this virus are particularly resistant to environmental conditions, and are capable of surviving for long periods in soil or on infected surfaces.
  • Since the virus is capable of surviving in soil for a long period – the virus is also transferred with infected soil that is moved from one place to another (by sticking to shoes, to work tools that are moved from one plot to another, etc.).
  • The virus is transmitted in seeds – a seed produced from an infected plant is likely to carry virus particles on its surface.
  • The virus can also be transmitted by bumble bees, which serve to pollinate during the cultivation process.

 

Prevention and treatment

  • Since the outbreak of the disease, Hazera together with Limagrain Group have been working on a comprehensive study of the issue, in which tomato varieties with intermediate levels of resistance to the virus were developed. The first patent in the world for resistance to ToBRFV was registered by Limagrain in 2017. Using these varieties provides an optimal solution for growing tomatoes in conditions of infections with ToBRFV, while maintaining the varieties performance.
  • Observing phytosanitary rules is key to preventing the disease:
    • Making sure to have clean clothes, jackets and gloves for those entering the greenhouses.
    • Making sure to sterilize all equipment used.
    • Sterilizing shoes in an immersion pit upon entrance to the greenhouse.
    • Being strict about the order in which buildings are entered – the workday begins with the buildings housing the young, healthy plants and continues to the buildings housing the more mature plants.
  • Plants in which infection is discovered should be immediately removed from the greenhouse, being careful to avoid contact with neighboring plants.
  • Using healthy seeds and seedlings is another key to preventing the disease. Hazera is strict about performing health tests in licensed laboratories, according to international standards and the Plant Protection Services. Checking that seeds are free of ToBRFV is done by the ISHI Protocol, which is the international protocol accepted throughout the world.
  • Being strict about good sanitization – sterilizing the soil or growth medium and the greenhouse space when cultivation is completed.

 

 

Tomato SHANTY F1 – Côte d’Ivoire

Well done! goes to our friends at “Senin Group”, our representors at Ivory Coast, for the work done with local growers and successful results with Tomato SHANTY F1. This hybrid produce big size, high quality firm fruits, supported by good plant frame. For more Hazera products, please contact the team. See you at the fields!

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SHANTY IMPROVED F1

Successful training at Demo-day for local growers of Tomato SHANTY IMPROVED F1, was conducted by Amiran last week at Narok. This well-known variety is adapted to tough growing conditions, have strong plant frame and BIG size fruits, which bring high yield potential. Additional advantages are TYLCV, TSWV and Pst resistances. For SHANTY IMPROVED F1 and other Hazera products, please contact our distributor Amiran Kenya. See you at the fields!

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Cabbage CHAKA F1

Cabbage CHAKA F1 is a real rising star in our portfolio! With great performances, this variety produce well-covered, round and well filled heads. It has high yield due it’s big heavy heads and excellent internal quality. Added values of the CHAKA F1 are resistances to Black Rot, Downey Mildew and Fusarium. It is easy to grow and has impressive field holding. Check the CHAKA F1 at GAL Seeds, our distributor in Kenya.

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A Big Thanks to Our Onion and Tomato Growers!

A big thanks goes to all the Onion and Tomato growers who shared with us their positive experience and feedbacks on our products. Onion Varieties QUARTZ F1, GUADALUPE F1, RED KING F1 and tomato SHANTY IMPROVED F1 are at its peaks! Well done, great work! For more details, please contact Terragrisen Senegal. See you at the fields.

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Cabbage LANDINI F1

When it comes to basic, Cabbage LANDINI F1 is a stable variety you can count on. Big-size, round shaped green heads and good internal density are just some of its advantages. This variety have High yielding potential with good standing ability, which provides the grower flexibility at picking. Cabbage LANDINI F1 is also available at Ethiopia – check it with our distributor GREENLIFE.

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Open Days at Roshanara, Ethiopia!

Last week Hazera and GREENLIFE conducted Open-Days at Roshanara farm, near Addis Ababa. More than 130 growers visited the event and impressed from our well-familiar SHANTY, GALILEA, RUSSET and LANDINI varieties, next to new exciting developments. Many thanks to the GREENLIFE team, our partners and Official Distributers in Ethiopia for this successful event. Well-done, See you all again next year! (more…)

Hazera Participates in the 2020 AFSTA Congress

This year the AFSTA Congress (African Seeds Trading Association) held in Livingstone, Zambia, from the 2nd to the 5th of March, and attended by hundreds of delegates from numerous countries (both from Africa and worldwide). Hazera was
proud to once again participated in this Congress, as an exhibitor and member of AFSTA, alongside leading seeds companies, both international and African.

Hazera’s lovely booth will showcase our products which are particularly suitable for the African market. Our team will be headed by Jawdat Badawieh – Hazera’s Africa Commercial Director as well as Joram Wambugu – Africa Sales & PD Manager. Our
presence at this important annual Congress is a key component of our strategy to continue Hazera’s development and growth in East Africa, and advance activities and operations in West Africa.

The Congress is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the markets, their needs and new consumer trends, as well as a great opportunity to welcome many local African visitors, including companies, dealers and farmers and to reinforce our
relations with them, and network with the local growers, customers and NGOs.

Great Success for Hazera at this Year’s AFSTA Congress 2019

This year the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) congress was held in Mombasa Kenya from March 4 to 7, where it was attended by hundreds of delegates from dozens of countries (both from Africa and worldwide). Hazera was proud to take part in the Congress, alongside leading international and African seeds companies, as an exhibitor and members of AFSTA.

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Open field days in Kenya

As part of Hazera’s ongoing commitment, we are continuing to share our knowledge throughout the world – and this time with growers in Kenya. We held two open field days in Kenya last week, in collaboration with Amiran K Ltd. One field day focused on Russet onions, while the other day highlighted Shanty Improved tomatoes.

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Hazera PLC Open Field Event in Ethiopia

Hazera & Greenlife Trading PLC’s Open Field Event in Ethiopia, held from 21 to 25 of May 2014 at the Koka Ethiovegfru Farm, was attended by more than 200 farmers, agricultural professionals, extension workers, media representatives & NGOs from various regions, including Afar, Somalia, Oromia, Amehara and Dire Dawa Administration. Also attending the event, that was held for the 5th year in a row, and is now an annual tradition, were groups of distributors and agronomists from Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan and Zimbabwe participated. (more…)

Hazera supports “Fair Planet” in Ethiopia

As part of Hazera’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and contribution to the community,

in the broadest sense of the term, the company provides support to a social startup called “Fair Planet”,

led by Dr. Shoshan Haran – a former Hazera employee, alongside with Alon Haberfeld, who also has a

valued history at Hazera. (more…)

The Annual Open Field Days in Ethiopia 2015

The Annual Open Field Days were Held in Ethiopia, with Collaboration between Hazera and Green Life Trading PLC – Hazera’s Local Agent

The Hazera Annual Open Field Days were held in 3 regions of Ethiopia. Participants and special guests from Hazera in the field days included: CEO of Hazera, Mr. Rami Dar, Head of the Seed Production Department, Mr. Amit Einav, and Commercial Business Unit Manager – Middle East & Africa, Mr. Jawadat Badawieh, as well as a group of distributors and agronomist from Tanzania, Kenya and Sudan that attended the Open Field Days event, 15-20 of May 2015, organized by Hazera and Green Life Trading. (more…)

Hazera participated at AFSTA congress in Zimbabwe

This year the AFSTA (African Seeds Trading Association) Congress was held at the Elephant Hill Hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe over the first week of March, 2015.

More than 320 delegates from 49 countries, both from Africa and from all corners of the globe, participated in the AFSTA congress.

Among the participants were leading international as well as African seed companies. In addition, the AFSTA congress also hosted sessions with lectures by representatives of ISTA – International Seed Testing Association, UPOV – Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, the OECD – Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (more…)

Son of the Kenyan President on an Agricultural Visit to Israel

Jomo Kenyatta, the son of Kenya’s current President and grandson of Jomo Kenyatta – Kanya’s legendary leader, arrived in Israel last week for a visit aimed at expanding his knowledge and studying agriculture in Israel. Kenyatta Junior, who is a successful farmer and considered one of the leaders in this field in Kenya, visited the greenhouses and laboratories of Hazera company in order to learn close up about different growing methods and how to improve agricultural produce. (more…)

Open field day at Ethiopia 2015

Our big Open Field Day was held on January 31 2015, aimed at offering an “on the ground” demonstration of the potential of Hazera’s hybrid vegetable seeds.

The site of the Field Day was located 525 km to the east of the capital Addis Ababa, and 10 Km from the Diredawa Administration Shenili Zone Agropeace Farm. The event was organized in collaboration with Greenlife Trading PLC, Dire Farmers Union and the Diredawa Administration Agriculture Bureau.

The event was attended by more than two hundred participants, ranging from farmers, agricultural professionals, extension workers, investors, media professionals, NGOs, University staff members – from the Dire Dawa Administration, Harare Region, Somalia region and East Harereghe Oromia region. (more…)

AFSTA congress was a great success for us!

This year the AFSTA (African Seeds Trading Association) congress was held in Dakar, Senegal, on Feb.28th – Mar.2nd, with 300 delegates from 41 countries (both from Africa and worldwide) attending this annual event. The congress, whose participants included international and African seeds companies, also hosted meetings of the ISTA, UPOV, OECD associations. (more…)

Our future in Africa: Tanzania – open field days with Hazera varieties: Shanty tomatoes, Neptune onions and more

Hazera sees Africa as a growth market with great potential. This understanding led to an important visit to Tanzania, with the goal of learning and acquiring a better grasp of the needs of the local market, its development, and Hazera’s collaboration with its local distributor – Balton Tanzania. (more…)

Hazera Open Field Days in Ethiopia

As part of the development areas in Ethiopia, on March 17th-18th, Hazera organized field days in Bahar Dar – Northeastern Ethiopia (Kolata area), and in Koga. About 120 visitors, farmers and members of the local Agriculture Ministry attended each day to see our range of tomato, onion and cabbage varieties for open field.

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African Entrepreneurs Visited Hazera

About 25 entrepreneurs from around Africa: Cameroon, Tanzania, Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Kenya and Madagascar, who came to learn from the Israeli expertise and knowledge in agriculture, visited Hazera today. The visitors met with our Commercial Director in Africa, Mr.Jawdat Badawieh, who showcased hazera knowledge and achievement in Africa. (more…)

Agricultural Study Tour – PASS Tanzania

Yesterday, 11 board members of PASS Tanzania came visit Hazera Israel to learn from the Israeli expertise and knowledge in agriculture from our Commercial Director in Africa, Mr.Jawdat Badawieh, who talked about Hazera activity in Africa, the growth efforts and the importance of this strategic market for Hazera. (more…)

Hazera continues to develop vegetables in Africa

This time, we focus on the development and training of farmers in Sierra Leone in west Africa, where we held 3 training courses in 3 different locations. We demonstrated the added value that hybrid vegetable seeds could bring to the farmers and market in Sierra Leone.

The training sessions covered subjects such as nursery preparation and principles in growing vegetables in hot and humid climates.

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Hazera’s Official Training Video: Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV)

We are happy to present Hazera’s training video and sanitation guide for dealing with the new ToBRFV virus.

The purpose of this video is to assist growers and farmers to gain a better understanding of the ToBRFV virus, and to share some practical advice and active measures for eradicating the growth of this virus through the use of stringent hygiene and highly effective sanitation. (more…)