A research project has been launched in the greenhouse facilities of HAS University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands to study the effect of rootstocks on generative steering in tomato cultivation.
In recent years, several tomato varieties with resistance to Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) have entered the market. While these varieties offer improved disease resistance, they generally show a more vegetative growth habit, whereas growers typically prefer a more generative crop balance. This project investigates whether the choice of rootstock can influence generative growth in tomato. The trials are being carried out using the variety Joannax XR from Axia Vegetable Seeds. Six second-year students from the horticulture and arable farming programme are conducting the research in collaboration with industry partners.
The project places a strong emphasis on circular tomato production. To support this approach, an organic substrate supplied by Van der Knaap is being used. In cooperation with NovaCropControl, the research also explores the lower limits of nitrogen input required for successful cultivation. Biological crop protection products and other cultivation inputs are supplied by Royal Brinkman, according to an update from HAS.
The crop was established in the HAS greenhouse location in Den Bosch.
