Many tomato growers in Morocco, as well as European importers, have reported that certain newly introduced ToBRFV-resistant varieties do not deliver optimal fruit coloration. According to reports from industry sources, the quality of some of these new varieties has declined, leading many growers to hesitate before adopting them.
Abderrahim Chajia, Country Manager of Yuksel Seeds Morocco, confirms the presence of these concerns within the Moroccan tomato industry. He states: "We are aware of grower's feedback regarding the fruit color of certain ToBRFV-resistant varieties. However, it is important to clarify that these observations relate to a very specific genetic line, distinct from the one we have developed at Yuksel. Our varieties are not affected by these issues. On the contrary, we consistently receive positive feedback, especially regarding fruit quality and agronomic performance."
Chajia acknowledges that initial grower reluctance is understandable, but he notes that it tends to decrease from one season to the next: "A certain level of caution is natural, as growers aim to strike a balance between plant health and market performance. However, we are seeing a gradual and confident adoption of our resistant varieties, particularly in regions most affected by the virus. The need to secure yields is leading more growers to place their trust varieties like ours — those that have demonstrated their value in real field conditions."
He continues: "At Yuksel Seeds, we firmly believe that resistance to ToBRFV should not come at the expense of quality. That's why our breeding program focuses on developing varieties that combine resistance to ToBRFV with vibrant color, extended shelf life, exceptional taste and flavor, and high yield potential. We also encourage growers to adapt their technical practices to each variety — considering factors such as planting density, nutrition, light management, and harvest techniques. With proper support, growers can fully unlock the potential of these new genetics."
The company notes that significant progress has been made in ToBRFV resistance research over the past decade: "We have been working on resistance to ToBRFV since it first appeared in 2014. Today, our catalog includes several options across different tomato types and market segments. These varieties have been specially developed to meet international market expectations for Moroccan-grown tomatoes. They are distinguished by strong resistance, excellent agronomic traits, vibrant color, rich flavor, and consistent yields with long shelf life."
Chajia concludes with a message of commitment: "We remain fully committed to advancing our R&D efforts to provide growers with reliable, high-performance solutions tailored to their specific needs. Yuksel Morocco is dedicated to supporting its partners throughout this strategic transition by combining varietal innovation with close, hands-on support."
For more information:
Abderrahim Chajia
Yuksel Maroc
Tel: +212661872024
Email: [email protected]
www.yukselseeds.ma