De Ruiter^® brand spotlights innovations at the recent Canadian greenhouse conference

At this year's Canadian Greenhouse Conference (CGC), experts from De Ruiter^® showcased the latest innovations designed to help growers in the protected culture space. This included the introduction of the latest varieties to delight consumers, highlights on disease-resistant portfolio advancements, and the introduction of digital technologies for the brand. At the conference booth, next to Sun Parlour Grower Supply, 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. Last year strawberries were introduced and this year the expansion of disease-resistant tomatoes took center stage. 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] works closely with growers to learn their specific operational needs and develop customized solutions," says Stephanie Poletti, Protected Culture Marketing Manager. "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 (ToBRFV). ToBRVF is a threat to the global tomato industry, and the De Ruiter^® brand 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. In 2023 and 2024 Bayer internal trials**, Devoured had a higher average Degrees Brix compared to varieties such as Syngenta® Sweetelle and Rijk Zwaan Romietto. 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. 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.

For those CGC attendees who were not able to visit the Bayer De Ruiter^® Tomato Demo House this spring in Kingsville, a new virtual interactive tour was available in the booth and now is available online. 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.

Also released during the conference were the updated disease guides. These comprehensive guides provide descriptions and pictures of the more commonly found diseases worldwide for crucifers, cucurbits, onions, peppers, eggplants and tomatoes. These free resources specific to vegetable crop diseases can help growers with identification and information on causes and symptoms. 

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. De Ruiter^® 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.

*Anticipated commercialization fall, 2025. Experimental/precommercial varieties are being shown/described for demonstration purposes only and are not being offered for sale.

**Noted for studies - 2024 results are based on questionaire consumers panels with over 300 individuals in three separate locations in Canada versus competitors, Sweetelle and Romietto.

Performance may vary, from location to location and from year to year, as local growing, soil and environmental conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible and should consider the impacts of these conditions on their growing environment.

The recommendations in this material are based upon trial observations and feedback received from a limited number of growers and growing environments. These recommendations should be considered as one reference point and should not be substituted for the professional opinion of agronomists, entomologists or other relevant experts evaluating specific conditions.