Greenhouse producers in Belarus are preparing to introduce new tomato varieties and increase output volumes for the upcoming season, according to information presented at a municipal meeting in Minsk. This year, greenhouse operations will add several new products. Among them are Lalique lettuce and a chocolate-colored tomato variety, previously tested on a trial basis.
Production of cherry tomatoes is also being expanded, including traditional red and black cherry varieties. The first batches will initially be available in company-owned retail outlets. Further distribution through retail chains will depend on consumer demand. The crops are currently in the fruit-filling stage and, subject to weather conditions, are expected to reach retail shelves within the next two weeks. Last year, daily harvest cherry tomato volumes were around 300 kg. Currently, output stands at approximately 1 tonne per day, more than three times higher.
In parallel, production of other vegetables has also grown. Eggplant production increased by 20% last year, while pepper output rose fourfold. Although growing areas remain unchanged this season, technological improvements are expected to increase eggplant and pepper production by at least 15%.
At the same time, Belarusian researchers have introduced a new tomato hybrid named Spatkanne. The variety was developed and tested by the Institute of Genetics and Cytology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and in greenhouse conditions at an agricultural academy in Gorki.
The hybrid demonstrates a yield of nearly 18 kg per square metre, which is about 3 kg higher than comparable hybrids. It is also characterised by increased resistance to diseases and a higher content of antioxidants.
According to researcher Elizaveta Drozd, the hybrid combines high productivity with quality and resistance traits. "The hybrid includes alleles responsible for the accumulation of anthocyanins and carotenoids. These biologically active compounds act as natural antioxidants," she said.
The variety has passed state quality evaluation and has been included in the State Register of agricultural plant varieties. Further work is ongoing, with plans to improve sugar content and to develop new varieties for protected cultivation starting in 2026.
