NRGene commercializes ToBRFV-resistant tomato seeds to combat viral disease

Genomics company NRGene is advancing crop protection with the sale of tomato seeds integrated with its High Resistance (HR) trait. The HR trait imparts “enhanced and durable” resistance to the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV).

The virus — causing yellowing or discoloration in leaves and brown wrinkled spots on fruits — is responsible for significant crop losses in key growing areas.

This innovation is said to mark the first time HR-enhanced seeds will be available for farmers, following fruit quality and yield demonstrations in Switzerland and Canada during their 2024-2025 pilot sales.

“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,” says Dr. Gil Ronen, CEO of NRGene.

“By developing and applying efficient genomics markers, seed companies introduced this solution to the market faster, giving growers the confidence to keep producing despite ToBRFV.”

The HR trait is licensed to various companies in Europe, South Africa, and the US, and to make adoption faster, NRGene provides DNA marker tools that help breeders quickly identify and insert the resistance trait into their best-performing tomato varieties.

Targeting on-ground impact

NRGene developed the seeds in partnership with the tomato breeding company Philoseeds in 2022. Within four years, the companies navigated the discovery to commercialization path, including introduction into elite hybrids, commercial trials in Europe and the US, and full commercialization to farmers.

Netherlands-based HWSeeds is among the first to integrate the HR trait into its commercial tomato varieties, and is now in its second year of sales.

The company has received positive customer feedback on the seed owing to the benefits of “real high resistance,” says Roel Huisman, director of HWseed. 

“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 strengthens our portfolio.”

Commercial tomato grower PurNatur is the first to use HWseed’s resistant seeds, and also reported strong farm performance.

Marco Stricker, director of PurNatur, stresses that the “resistance in action” led to healthy plants and high fruit quality. “This is the kind of innovation that makes a real difference on the ground, giving us a powerful tool to combat ToBRFV and protect our farms from this devastating virus.”

Innovating tomato varieties

NRGene highlights that more breeding companies are following its trajectory and expects more businesses to adopt its HR trait to combat crop disease challenges.

Previous efforts to improve tomato varieties include gene editing to boost Vitamin D levels, mapping tomato genes to elevate flavor, and breeding a purple tomato variety for a powerful sweet-sour balance for an umami taste.