Australia: ToBRFV-resistant tomatoes to be exhibited at Hort Connections 2025

As a family-owned vegetable seed company, Rijk Zwaan is looking to partner with Australian growers in building a sustainable, productive future for the horticulture industry. Hort Connections 2025 is just around the corner, and the Rijk Zwaan Australia team is looking forward to being part of it.

Breeding a new vegetable variety takes between 6 and 16 years of dedicated research and development. Rijk Zwaan's plant breeders need to think ahead continuously – so growers can access varieties that are ready for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

This future-focused approach is delivering practical results by achieving higher yields and reducing input requirements, which together enhance overall efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, it fosters stronger disease resistances, helping to protect crops and reduce losses. With labor efficiencies, the approach also optimizes workforce deployment and productivity. Moreover, it extends the shelf life of produce, ensuring that products remain fresh for a longer period, which benefits both distributors and consumers.

Innovation, insight and industry connections at Hort Connections 2025
Hort Connections in the leading Horticultural event of the year, where growers, supply chain partners and industry leaders can connect, celebrate successes together and learn about new ideas and innovations. The Rijk Zwaan Australia team will be sharing solutions for today and tomorrow, including:

ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties - Supporting growers with strong, effective resistance to Tomato brown rugose fruit virus, helping protect the industry while delivering high-quality, great tasting produce.

ToBRFV-resistant tomato variety: Balthasetto RZ

Knox: For lettuce with longer shelf life - A trait that delays oxidation pinking in fresh cut lettuce, helping reduce waste and extend shelf life for processors, retailers, and consumers.

Salanova: Premium salad leaves - High-yielding, one-cut-ready lettuce that meets market demand for convenience, labour efficiency and visual appeal - adding extra dimension to the pre-made salad segment.

Blue Leaf: Longer cucumber production - Rijk Zwaan's Blue Leaf cucumber range have an extended growing season. Stronger, healthier plants remain productive thanks to increased levels of chlorophyll.

The Rijk Zwaan team takes pride in the quality of their offering: high-performing seeds that set the foundation for a successful crop.

Regional representatives will be at Hort Connections to catch up with industry partners and share regional knowledge, experience and advice. Rijk Zwaan, Booth 416 at Hort Connections.