The tomato industry has faced a turbulent journey over the past several years, with one of its biggest hurdles being the outbreak of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). Since 2015, this highly contagious virus has devastated crops worldwide, forcing growers to rethink their strategies and seed companies to fast-track innovation. Now, after years of uncertainty, a new chapter is unfolding—and with it comes bold new varieties that are resistant and robust. Rijk Zwaan has introduced the first ToBRFV-resistant portfolio in December 2022 under the Rugose Defense label and continues to release new varieties.
Their latest one, Ferguson RZ F1, is a high-tech beef tomato offering drawing attention recently due to its size and yield.
"For the entire beef tomato industry, it's been a long time coming," RZH Canada. "The brown rugose virus turned everything upside down. We knew a 'great reset' was inevitable: a future where old varieties would no longer hold up, and innovation would take the lead."
A strategic response: Rugose Defense line
Rijk Zwaan's response to the crisis has been the development of its Rugose Defense line - a suite of high-performing varieties with high resistance to ToBRFV while delivering on quality, yield, and consistency. In the specialty tomato sector, this portfolio has already brought remarkable results.
"But over the past two years, one message has been loud and clear," Max points out. "Major change in the beef market is urgently needed. Growers need to get back to size and yield, which is the core foundation of beefsteak production."
Built for high-tech greenhouses
Enter Ferguson RZ, a red beef tomato with exceptional traits tailored for high-tech greenhouse production. Developed and trialed at the Rijk Zwaan Demo House in Leamington, Canada, Ferguson RZ is the result of close collaboration with growers.
"With the support and feedback of our customers, we introduced Ferguson RZ, and today, over 75 acres of this promising large beef tomato are being harvested commercially in the Leamington area," Max shares.
The difference Ferguson RZ brings
Ferguson RZ delivers what the market has been missing: consistently high fruit weight of 260–280 grams, balanced plant vigor, and excellent powdery mildew resistance. According to Max, it's suitable for loose harvest, aligns well with modern production systems, and delivers on the critical attributes of yield and size.
Resilience through resistance
Ferguson RZ carries an impressive resistance package. Besides having a high resistance to ToBRFV, the variety has also high resistance to ToMV:0-2, Fol:0,1, For, Pf:A-E, Va:0, and Vd:0. It also shows intermediate resistance to Pn (powdery mildew).
"This variety gives growers the confidence to focus on what matters: producing great-tasting, high-yielding tomatoes that meet market expectations."
Strong start and growing momentum
The commercial rollout in Leamington has been successful. "I'm thrilled to share photos from growers showing the successful start of Ferguson RZ," Max says. "We believe this variety will meet the market demand for yield and size, restoring balance for growers and customers alike."
For more information:
Rijk Zwaan USA
Max Saad,
www.rijkzwaanusa.com