Faced with the steady increase of tomato blight in France, Voltz Maraîchage is expanding its range of determinate organic tomatoes with high tolerance to blight with two new varieties: Defiant F1 and Galadiant F1.
A steady increase in downy mildew in France
Much feared by tomato growers, downy mildew, caused by the agent Phytophthora infestans, can wipe out entire crops in just a few days. France offers climatic conditions that are highly conducive to its development: a temperate climate (warm and humid). For almost 35 years, tomato downy mildew has been on the rise, especially since the arrival of A2 strains. "In France, the diversity of strains isolated from tomatoes is greater than what has been observed on potato strains, and the ratio of A2 strains is also higher," according to the INRAE e-phytia portal. In 2024, pressure was also very high, due to abundant rainfall and moderate temperatures. "After a 2022 season marked by a weak and late epidemic, and a 2023 season characterized by a very atypical development of mildew (epidemic in three phases), the 2024 season saw an early and strong epidemic in all regions, reminiscent of the 2021 season."
The Tolériantes range for organic production
In response to this increase, Voltz Maraîchage is developing its range of tolerant tomatoes with the DEFIANT F1 and GALADIANT F1 tomato varieties, this time for the organic sector. The Tolériantes range was originally available in the conventional sector with the Galadiant F1, Prosperiant F1 and Defiant F1 varieties. The decision to develop the range organically was taken because "the derogation for specific hybrid tomatoes for the fresh market will no longer be possible from July 2028. Given the success of the Tolériantes range in conventional production, and faced with the constant threat of mildew, we felt it was important to offer these varieties to organic growers before July 2028 and the switch to non-derogation," explains Alicia Dufour, research & development manager.
- DEFIANT F1: Short cycle, balanced vigor, very good tolerance to the main races of mildew. Firm, uniform red fruit weighing 140 to 160g. Suitable for fresh sales and short distribution channels. High yield of small, regular-sized fruit.
Defiant F1
- GALADIANT F1: Vigorous plant with compact growth habit. Excellent leaf cover and greater tolerance to mildew. Round, red, tasty fruit of medium to large size (280 to 300 g), ideal for fresh consumption.
Galadiant F1
"A concrete response to the demands of short distribution channels and direct sales"
"These field-grown determinate tomatoes combine robust health, productivity and taste quality, and offer a practical response to the demands of short distribution channels and direct sales," explains Voltz Maraîchage. Determinate tomatoes are usually intended primarily for the processing sector. Unlike indeterminate varieties, which grow continuously throughout the season, determinate varieties have limited vegetative development and concentrate their production over a short period between late July and mid-September. However, "our determinate tomatoes are aimed at growers and producers in short distribution circuits, who will also find many advantages in this crop."
For more information:
Customer service
Voltz Maraîchage
Phone: +33(0)2 41 54 57 10
[email protected]