{"id":3982,"date":"2024-06-01T12:18:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-01T10:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bio.bolster.nl\/?p=3982"},"modified":"2026-06-23T16:43:40","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T14:43:40","slug":"new-from-breeding-tomatoes-resistant-to-late-blight-phytophthora","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bio.bolster.nl\/en\/new-from-breeding-tomatoes-resistant-to-late-blight-phytophthora\/","title":{"rendered":"New from breeding: tomatoes resistant to late blight (phytophthora)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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New from breeding: tomatoes resistant to late blight (phytophthora)<\/h1>\n

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The time has come: De Bolster has launched its first organic tomato varieties with high resistance to the dreaded late blight fungus (Phytophthora). This is a development many tomato growers who cultivate outdoors or in unheated greenhouses will enthusiastically welcome. Frans Carree, head of the breeding department, and his team have spent 6 years working hard to achieve this.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

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On the way to 6 resistant varieties<\/h2>\n

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Average breeding takes about ten years, so 6 years is relatively short. \u201cThis is partly because you can grow two generations of tomatoes in a single year,\u201d explains Frans. \u201cUsually, by the end of the breeding process, you are 8 to 10 generations in. In this case, we also used genes from existing varieties and crossed them with the resistant gene. As a result, the new varieties are similar to the existing ones.\u201d
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In Europe, there weren\u2019t really any varieties with this high level of resistance yet. The team hopes to have found a more robust resistance that won’t be broken quickly. Frans: \u201cBut we know it will eventually happen, so in the meantime, we are already searching for new sources of resistance.\u201d At the moment, three resistant varieties have been brought to market: a midi San Marzano tomato, a cocktail tomato, and a snack tomato. Trials are already underway for three other varieties, including a Roma tomato. These will be available on the market next year.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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Flexibility is key<\/h2>\n

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The breeding process requires a lot of flexibility. What if the market suddenly changes during those many years while you\u2019re working on a breeding program, and growers or supermarkets suddenly have different needs? \u201cThen we have to pivot and adjust our program,\u201d Frans responds. \u201cIn recent years, we\u2019ve seen a new tomato virus appearing in more and more places. We try to incorporate resistance to that immediately as well. You have to have an idea now of what will be needed in ten years. Because ultimately, you create what the grower, supermarket, and consumer want.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

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No GMOs and no patents<\/h2>\n

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Some companies claim that they can pivot much faster using GMOs, but Frans believes that is a false claim. \u201cThe process that precedes it\u2014deciding what to adjust and understanding the effect\u2014remains just as long. Only the crossing of that specific trait can be faster. My opinion is that you don’t need GMOs for breeding. There is plenty of variation to be found in nature. Moreover, the long-term effects remain to be seen. Genes are all interconnected. What happens further down the chain if you change one small part? Is it still safe?<\/p>\n

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“In recent years, we\u2019ve seen a new tomato virus appearing in more and more places. We try to incorporate resistance to that immediately as well.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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At De Bolster, we are also opposed to applying for patents on plant varieties, which still happens despite an EU ban. It prevents small companies from working with a specific gene because you are always dependent on other companies for permission to use a trait. And the costs can escalate significantly. It therefore hinders innovation, which ultimately gives growers fewer choices. \u00a0<\/p>\n

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With these three Phytophthora-resistant tomato varieties, growers are finally getting what they\u2019ve long been waiting for. Frans expects De Bolster to become a major player in the market as a result. And if other companies want to add this resistance to their own varieties, they are more than welcome.<\/p>\n

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Nothing more beautiful<\/h2>\n

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For Frans, there is nothing more beautiful than creating: whether it’s music, a new bathroom, or new tomato varieties. \u201cI\u2019ve been doing this work for 25 years and it never gets boring. Every step you take in the breeding process brings you closer to your goal: registering the variety and having growers use it. I am incredibly proud when I visit a grower who is cultivating \u2018my\u2019 variety and they tell me, \u2018I\u2019m happy with this one\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Latest news<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\u201cI find it absolutely fascinating to watch seeds germinate and eventually grow into beautiful crops\u201d<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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\u201cI find it absolutely fascinating to watch seeds germinate and eventually grow into beautiful crops\u201d<\/h3>\n

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\u201cWith organic innovation, we help both organic and conventional growers move forward\u201d<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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\u201cWith organic innovation, we help both organic and conventional growers move forward\u201d<\/h3>\n

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\u201cThanks to the heated greenhouse, we can breed and react to the market much faster\u201d<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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\u201cThanks to the heated greenhouse, we can breed and react to the market much faster\u201d<\/h3>\n

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\u201cA transition never happens overnight\u201d<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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\u201cA transition never happens overnight\u201d<\/h3>\n

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\u201cOrganic growing comes from the heart, not just a business perspective\u201d<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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\u201cOrganic growing comes from the heart, not just a business perspective\u201d<\/h3>\n

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\u201cThe great thing about customer service is that in the morning, I don’t yet know what I’ll be doing that day\u201d<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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