S&G (Syngenta’s horticultural seed brand for vegetables in Europe/Africa/Middle East) organised a meeting at which experts on the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) presented the results of their research, the latest progress, and some strategies for solving the effects of this virus in pepper crops.

“The aim of this meeting was to inform the audience about the current situation regarding TSWV in Murcia, to offer specialist advice on vectors, the virus and its effects, and to present the genetic solution available through the improvement of varieties,” explained Pedro Pleguezuelo, S&G Pepper Product Manager in Spain. “At S&G, assisting our customers is a key priority,” he added.

“The TSWV virus is one of the worst to affect pepper crops in Campo de Cartagena (Murcia-Spain), and its economic consequences are very serious,” observed Alfredo Lacasa, a researcher at the IMIDAS (Murcian Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Development) and a TSWV specialist.

Mr. Lacasa outlined the characteristics of TSWV with respect to its transmission and evolution. It is transmitted by thrips, and is quite difficult to control, since part of the virus population is proving capable of overcoming resistance. Following several research studies, it is clear that TSWV, which is part of the highly adaptable Tospovirus Group, has formed new strains which are able to overcome the current resistance source.

The best way to control TSWV is through the use of resistant varieties and integrated pest management (mainly through beneficial insects), together with culture techniques, advised Mr. Lacasa. On the one hand, the use of resistant varieties makes it possible to prolong pepper production in virus-free conditions, and on the other hand, thanks to IPM (Integrated Pest Management), the thrips population can be controlled and the impact of the virus can be reduced.

S&G launched commercial pepper varieties that are resistant to TSWV in 2000. Mr. Jean Louis Nicolet, a genetics expert at S&G, informed those present about the latest research conducted by S&G. S&G is devoting considerable effort to finding new sources to combat the new TSWV strains by investigating many species of wild peppers. When a new source is discovered, almost 10 years of active selection are needed to create some new commercial varieties. This process could be shortened with the active use of the most advanced technologies such as molecular markers and in vitro culture of Dihaploids.

The meeting was held at the SAT San Cayetano Co-operative (Murcia-Spain) on June 29, 2006. All those present took part in a raffle. The prize was a Tomtom Go all-in-one navigation system, and the winner was Mr. Benjamín Hernández from the company Distribuidora de Agroquímicos.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2005 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs more than 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).