The fight against tomato brown rugose virus ToBRFV has reshaped priorities across global vegetable genetics. In this context, BASF Nunhems has developed Dreampower, a rootstock that combines resistance to ToBRFV with soil-borne resistance packages including Fusarium race 3, crown Fusarium and nematodes, while keeping an ideal balance between vegetative and generative vigor. It fits both high-tech and medium-tech production systems.
"The goal was to offer a versatile tool that protects the grower under any condition without forcing them to change their production system," says Andy Zamudio, High Tech Manager and Market Development for BASF Nunhems Mexico. "With Dreampower, growers can maintain productivity even in soils with high pathogen pressure or under wet irrigation schemes."
© BASF Nunhems
A new standard of protection and full compatibility
Until recently, growers grafting varieties resistant to ToBRFV had a critical vulnerability: the rootstock did not carry the same resistance, which could enable infection through the graft cut or the roots.
Dreampower solves this issue by incorporating ToBRFV resistance and also adding a complete soil disease resistance package that prevents losses caused by fungi and nematodes.
"Previously we worked with Enpower, a very successful global rootstock, but without resistance to ToBRFV. Dreampower is the natural evolution. It maintains vigor, adds complete protection, and allows cycles of up to 40 weeks with strong balanced plants," Andy explains.
Dreampower adapts well to intermediate and long crop cycles, ensuring stable plant development without excess vegetative growth. "It is not the most vigorous rootstock on the market, but that balance is exactly what keeps the plant productive and well structured," says Andy. "The material also shows compatibility with 100 percent of commercial varieties, whether in high-tech cocktail tomatoes and TOVs like WinVine or Careion, or in medium and low-tech saladette types such as Blindon or Freezon."
© BASF Nunhems México
Another practical advantage is its high cotyledon structure, which makes grafting easier and reduces the risk of degrafting, a common issue that weakens the graft and rootstock combination.
Market reaction to such a complete rootstock has been very positive. "There are still very few rootstocks with ToBRFV resistance available, and growers value having a material that also protects against soil diseases. The trust that already existed with Enpower has led to a very fast adoption of Dreampower."
© BASF Nunhems México
The rootstock is already being tested with success in various regions of Mexico, especially in greenhouse crops and areas with high pathogen pressure. "For BASF Nunhems, Dreampower represents a step forward in integrating multiple resistances in a single material. Growers need genetics that give them stability and reduce the need for corrective actions. Genetics today are just as important as irrigation or nutrition," Andy concludes.
For more information:
Nunhems Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Blvd. José María Morelos #314
Portales de la Arboleda,37100, León
Guanajuato, Mexico
[email protected]
Tel: 477 262 3385
Instagram: @basf_nunhems_mexico
Facebook: Nunhems MX
LinkedIn: BASF I Nunhems
