WHAT’S NEW
NEW TOTAM SEEDS TOMATO VARIETIES AVAILABLE FOR TRIALS Totam Seeds was founded in 2010 by three growers in the Netherlands. Only four years later the largest Dutch growers’ association ‘Prominent’ became the major shareholder, which meant no less than 35 tomato growers are involved in Totam’s breeding business. Consequently the company can draw upon a wealth of accumulated practical knowledge about grower requirements as a foundation for the breeding programme. Since November 2020 Totam Seeds has been part of the Japanese company Mitsui & Co. In 2016 Mitsui & Co established the seed unit within the Nutrition and Agriculture division to provide products essential to the food and agriculture industries that are sustainably produced. This synergy allows the combination of resources, expertise and research and enables Totam Seeds to grow and maximise its business potential. The breeding options are expanding in view of the latest consumer trends. The strong research and development capabilities of Mitsui’s seed ecosystem which also includes the company Top Seeds International Ltd, gives Totam Seeds the opportunity to develop new and innovative varieties. Premier Seeds is the exclusive supplier of Totam Seeds in New Zealand and is delighted to introduce the latest trial varieties. Developing excellent relationships with their seed breeders and suppliers is important to Premier, which draws upon their valued knowledge and expertise when selecting new trial seed varieties suitable for the New Zealand climate.
Premier Seeds is currently focused on large truss, cocktail, and cherry tomatoes as well as tomato rootstock. Eventually the portfolio will extend to specialities. Premier Seeds is seeking improved fruit quality, firmness, internal fruit colour, and fruit taste to satisfy consumer demand, as well as high yield, balanced and vigorous varieties. A resistance package is also being developed to support New Zealand growers. All varieties have been successfully trialled in Holland and Prominent growers are sufficiently pleased with the results to progress these varieties to the semi-commercial phase. These tomatoes are either currently available or will very soon be available: • 3 large truss varieties with an average fruit weight (afw) of 155–175g and brix levels of 4.0 to 5.5. • 3 cocktail varieties with an afw of 45–55g, brix levels of 5.5 to 6.9. • 2 medium sized cherry varieties with afw 17–20g and brix levels of 7.5 to 9. • 2 small cherry varieties with afw 12–14g and brix levels of 9 to 9.5. • Tomato rootstock TS100. This rootstock was trialled against the two market leading rootstock varieties; TS100 finished superbly with a production increase of 3.1%. Trial data from Holland is available on request.
If you would like more information, variety files or trial seed, please contact: Imke Blackett: 027 244 4611 imke.blackett@premierseeds.co.nz Benjamin Carrell: 027 244 465 benjamin.carrell@premierseeds.co.nz NZGROWER : NOVEMBER 2021 71
