Agroaldea
The Basque Institute of agricultural research and development leads a project whose aim is to genetically select traditional Basque greater value organoleptic and most productive tomato varieties.
The Basque Institute of research and agricultural development, NEIKER-Tecnalia, public company of the Department of economic development and competitiveness of the Basque Government, It has launched the project Traditom, It aims Select and genetically identify the best traditional varieties of tomatoes from the Basque country.
It seeks this initiative to value the local product and provide farmers a tomato of great quality and productivity and with high culinary value, in order to meet the growing demand for traditional varieties of tomatoes.
[quote]Specialists technology center will investigate the collection of traditional Basque tomatoes preserved in the genebank Neiker-Tecnalia.[/quote]
Consumers are increasingly close vegetables, genuine and authentic taste, but the producers may not always meet this demand. This is due to that traditional varieties present a number of problems, NEIKER-Tecnalia seeks a solution that.
The first of these problems is that each of these varieties presents a great variability in their external appearance, sensory quality and productivity. In addition, they are not particularly resistant to the most common and important diseases, such as the viruses.
Researchers at the Technology Center looking for a solution to these problems through the genetic selection of the best varieties of Basque traditions.
The selection will be carried out having as main parameters the organoleptic quality and consumer acceptance. The genetic characterization will allow, In addition, define specifically every variety, What will make it possible to distinguish it from an efficient and practical commercial or traditional varieties that present similar morphological types.
Resistance to diseases is another of the parameters to be taken into account when selecting the genetic material. Specifically be investigated the incidence of the two main pathogens of tomato, such as the tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV) and the fungus Phytophthora infestans, that it limited its economic profitability.
Differentiate the tomatoes and prevent unfair competition.
The identification and characterization of varieties paves the way for create your own distinctive quality such as the protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication. These badges will allow to differentiate the commercial offer of these tomatoes and highlight its most unique and appreciated features, at the same time to avoid unfair competition and consumers to provide their identification.
The selection and genetic improvement of Basque tomatoes will offer farmers the opportunity of having a quality product and demanded by the market, which will result in plant breeding and the competitiveness of local agriculture. Likewise, the cultivation of these contributes to the respect for the environment, to biodiversity and ensure that future generations can enjoy local products of quality.
Traditional varieties of success.
Current consumer trends - endorsed by movements like Slow Food, Locavorismo and Food Miles- and the rise of cuisine based on local products of high culinary value represent a important niche business for farmers who are traditional varieties. Currently, have erupted with force in the markets as 'Valencia' tomato varieties (Valencia), 'Montserrat' (Catalonia), 'Rosa de Barbastro' (Aragon) and Aretxabaleta (Basque country).