The open day of tomato breeding company Syngenta was not held in the usual demo greenhouse this year. They opted for the brand-new location of Ter Laak in Wateringen. Kris Goen and her colleagues show the visitors the presentations of the various tomato varieties.
Depona is a recently introduced cocktail tomato. Kris: "The high Brix level does well in the market. At this moment we have various lighted test. The flat vine and the easy manageable crop make this variety labor friendly."
Kris shows the flat vine of Depona
Within the segment cocktail TOV, there is a brand new variety, fresh from R&D, that draws attention: 3TGR0829. Kris: "This variety produces more kilos than the current standard."
TCC14145 is a tomato-on-the-vine from the middle segment. There are tests in the testing station in Belgium at this moment. the Brix value of this variety is between 4.2 and 4.5. "Moreover, it is a very productive variety with a particularly beautiful look because of its red color."
The number 8C16323 falls in the same segment. This one is brand new. Next year, the first tests will take place.
And Syngenta would not be Syngenta if they did not splash a bit with their snack tomatoes. Special attention is required for Duelle, which is new. Kris: "With its high production (>10-15% Sweetelle), this one is even more labor friendly."
Peter Colbers talking to his colleague
This year the event is held in Ter Laak. At this moment, a new demo greenhouse is being built for Syngenta. Perhaps the event will be held there next year.
Besides for the tomato and bell pepper varieties, there was also attention for seed health at another stand. Two 'Seed Quality Specialists' from Enkhuizen presented materials and documentation to show the procedures Syngenta follows to ensure the health of the seeds. They explained which tests tomato and bell pepper seeds undergo before they are used for tests at growers or are used on a commercial scale. There was a lot of talk between the breeders and growers present.
For more information: 
Syngenta
www.syngenta.nl
Kris Goen
kris.goen@syngenta.com
+32 4 98 85 80 63