In a field test at tomato grower Tom Vlaemynck's facility, the new ToBRFV-resistant rootstock, Kronosor, has shown excellent performance. "It has strong growth potential and thrives even in vegetative conditions."
Tom Vlaemynck wasn't initially looking for a new rootstock for his tomatoes, as he was satisfied with his long-used variety, which is well-regarded in the tomato industry. His decision to test the Kronosor rootstock wasn't driven by cultivation needs. "Since I began growing the yellow pepper variety Yedda, I developed a good relationship with Pieter Stijnen, my cultivation advisor from Syngenta. He suggested I try the ToBRFV-resistant Kronosor rootstock." Always open to new opportunities, Vlaemynck planted a section with the Kronosor rootstock in his Sanmaxim planting last December.
Less loss
Nearly six months later, Vlaemynck is very satisfied with Kronosor's performance. He has found that Kronosor can match his usual rootstock in terms of growth vigor. "Currently, both are producing well, but initially, Kronosor was even stronger. During that early period, the weather was dark and vegetative, but the Sanmaxim on Kronosor was more generative, showing noticeably less loss in the first three trusses. They developed clearly better than the standard." This trait is particularly important for Vlaemynck, as the Sanmaxim variety is naturally vegetative. "Kronosor is managing growth well and has so far produced a uniform crop with good balance and high yields. Although the season is only halfway through, I am very pleased so far."
Vigor is most important
The fact that Kronosor also offers ToBRFV resistance wasn't the main reason for Vlaemynck's choice. "We had issues with that virus in the past, but I never relied on a resistant rootstock. However, having resistance certainly helps in keeping the crops virus-free. For me, growth power is the most critical trait, and Kronosor performs well in that area."
For more information:
Syngenta 
[email protected]/nl
https://www.syngentavegetables.com/nl-nl