Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and Changes in the Tomato Seed Market

The Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV), which affects tomatoes, is transforming the tomato seed market.

First discovered in 2008 in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, TYLCV, previously prevalent overseas, spread to central regions by 2010, causing significant damage to farms that lacked knowledge about the virus and its impacts.

TYLCV is a virus transmitted to tomatoes by a type of whitefly known as the tobacco whitefly. In the early stages of infection, new leaves turn yellow, and as the disease progresses, the leaves dry out, new shoots fail to develop, and the entire stem shrinks, halting growth.

Countries such as Israel and India, which have suffered extensively from TYLCV, have reduced damage by introducing resistant varieties, while neighboring countries like Japan and China have also invested significant efforts in developing disease-resistant varieties.

In South Korea, multinational seed companies are quickly disseminating TYLCV-resistant varieties. Monsanto Korea, as a preventive measure against TYLCV, employs methods such as pesticide application, installation of anti-insect nets, and sticky traps. However, the most reliable way to combat the virus is to choose resistant varieties. For mature tomatoes, they have introduced varieties such as “Sticks T.Y.” and “Bacchus,” while for cherry tomatoes, they have showcased “Olet T.Y.”

Kim Kyung-hwan, a manager at Monsanto Korea, stated, "Domestic tomato farmers are aware of the risks and seriousness of TYLCV, but many harbor a complacent attitude thinking, 'It won't happen to me.' If an outbreak occurs, farmers face reduced yields, abandonment of farming, or increased management costs due to the need to re-purchase seedlings." He emphasized that considering the overall farming expenses, purchasing resistant varieties, even at a higher price, is a wise decision.

Additionally, Syngenta Seeds has collaborated with Syngenta Netherlands to introduce the long-cultivation variety “Daphnees” for European-style red tomato farmers, who have suffered significant losses due to TYLCV. This initiative has garnered a positive response from farmers and distributors. Syngenta is also working with countries like the Netherlands, Israel, India, China, and Japan to develop and introduce Japanese-type common and cherry tomatoes resistant to TYLCV.

Although resistant varieties have previously faced challenges due to difficult cultivation management and lower product quality, improvements are being made. In the second half of 2011, plans to release the mature tomato variety “Mami Rio” are underway, and to diversify varieties, a European-style red variety called “Dei Ross” is also being prepared.

Currently, most tomato varieties cultivated in South Korea are Japanese varieties, along with some European varieties and those from multinational companies. The development of domestically-produced varieties is cited as a major goal for the tomato industry. Tomato breeding has a relatively short history compared to its cultivation, requiring massive capital investments, which has led to slow progress in domestic variety development.

To address this, Nongwoo Bio has three researchers dedicated to breeding excellent varieties and uniquely operates a biotechnology research institute among domestic seed companies. They are utilizing cutting-edge technologies, such as DNA marker testing, pathogen testing, and the development of high-performance varieties, to cultivate advanced tomato breeds.

Nongwoo Bio has been exporting tomato varieties to various countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Through active development of export varieties, aided by research institutes in Beijing, Guangdong, the U.S., and Indonesia, they are significantly advancing global tomato variety development. Moreover, the establishment of an Indian research institute in 2010 confirms their leading role in the global tomato variety breeding arena.

 

Offers superior quality (color, taste, firmness) with a cylindrical fruit shape. It matures quickly and produces high yields even in late seasons. It is relatively resistant to heat and resistant to leaf mold, earning high praise for opening the era of domestic tomato variety development. Its taste is well-balanced between sweetness and acidity, resulting in high sugar content and excellent flavor.