Vegetable breeder unveils variety developed for large cluster segment, offering high yields and strong disease resistance
Vegetable breeder Enza Zaden says its latest new tomato variety Fortitude is “future-proof” in a market where fewer crop protection options are available to growers.
The product, which was developed using advanced, data-driven market research, is aimed at the large cluster segment of the greenhouse-grown tomato business.
According to the company its name stands for strength, determination, and reliability – qualities it says perfectly match the variety’s high yield, outstanding quality, and strong resistance against disease.
And it has been trialled and brought to market in record time. “Two years ago, I first saw Fortitude in the greenhouse,” recalls breeder Julian Wolf. “After that, we conducted trials with growers, and within two years the variety was ready for the market. That’s exceptionally fast.”
Collaboration between R&D, marketing and sales teams apparently helped to fast-track the development process.
“The biggest challenge was the speed at which we had to work,” Wolf notes. “There was a lot of enthusiasm within Enza Zaden, so we needed to make big steps in a short time. Thanks to constructive teamwork, we succeeded. Everyone was on board and positive, which gave us tremendous energy.”
He adds: “Fortitude produces more flowers per cluster than comparable varieties. This allows pruning to either five or six fruits. The variety is particularly suitable for pruning to six in spring for higher yields, which is attractive for growers. The results exceeded my expectations. I saw early on that this variety had potential, but I never imagined it would score so well on so many traits.”
