Bayer De Ruiter says it showcased the latest innovations designed to help growers in the protected culture space during the Canadian Greenhouse Conference, held Oct. 9-10.
This included the introduction of the latest varieties, highlights on disease-resistant portfolio advancements and the introduction of digital technologies for the brand, according to a news release. At the conference booth, De Ruiter engaged with growers and other representatives from the industry as they showcased their latest products and those that are in the pipeline.
Innovation was all the buzz with the development of new product lines and varieties in the Vegetables by Bayer seed portfolio, the release said.
Last year strawberries were introduced, and this year the expansion of disease-resistant tomatoes took center stage, according to the company. Growers were able to ask questions and interact with De Ruiter experts to discuss the challenges they are facing in their operations and the benefits that De Ruiter products provide that can help address such challenges.
“This is the reason we (De Ruiter Seeds) work closely with growers to learn their specific operational needs and develop customized solutions,” Stephanie Poletti, protected culture marketing manager, said in the release. “Now more than ever, growers need reliable varieties that deliver high performance and disease resistance. Our goal is grower success by providing them with high-quality, high-performing seeds that give growers confidence at every level.”
Attendees learned about the latest innovations in tomatoes that are resistant to tomato brown rugose fruit virus. ToBRVF is a threat to the global tomato industry, and De Ruiter said it is committed to using its research and development in its breeding program to help address the current issues the industry is facing as quickly as possible throughout their tomato portfolio.
During the CGC event, one of the tomatoes showcased was the new variety Devoured, a cherry plum loose (grape) tomato hybrid. What makes Devoured stand out is its overall appearance, exceptional flavor and robust disease-resistance package, the release said.
In 2023 and 2024 consumer preference studies, Devoured’s smooth shape and overall appearance rated statically higher in direct consumer panels over Sweetelle and Romietto, the release said. Devoured will be joining the Vegetables by Bayer tomato portfolio, uniting with two other high-performing, ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties: Ferreira and Novero. Growers who attended the CGC event had the chance to learn more about this new variety and review the trial data from this year’s growing season, the release said.
For those CGC attendees who were not able to visit the Bayer De Ruiter Tomato Demo House this past spring in Kingsville, Ontario, a new virtual interactive tour was available in the booth and now is available online, according to the company. The comprehensive tour highlighted several locations in the De Ruiter Demo House so visitors could experience the latest technology in tomato varieties, as well as innovation and sustainability in glasshouse production, the release said.
De Ruiter Seeds and the full supporting team at Vegetables by Bayer — including expert R&D teams — are constantly working to provide innovative solutions and new vegetable seeds for growers in protected environments, according to the release. De Ruiter said it collaborates with growers to assist them in producing high-quality vegetables year-round, providing insights into the latest consumer needs and growing trends while maintaining the essential agronomic traits that help ensure a healthy harvest and success throughout the value chain.
