Research and Development

Dedicated research has been the major focus at BonTom since 1950. As a result, seed companies are ensured an excellent selection of products from one of the world’s largest tomato seed germplasm bases. With a reputation for operating one of the world’s strongest tomato breeding programs, BonTom’s extensive research and development capabilities allow it to provide seed companies with superior tomato varieties. Always striving to increase breeding efficiency and shorten time to market, all activities are supported by the most advanced methods and sophisticated breeding techniques. By policy decision, BonTom does not employ GMO methods in its breeding activities.

Highlights of BonTom Tomato research:

BonTom uses several technologies to create new and improved varieties exhibiting quality traits. These varieties are developed through traditional and advanced breeding methods, employing techniques such as marker-assisted selections, plant physiology, biochemistry and phytopathology.

Phytopathology
The research team identifies and makes available new sources of resistance to fungal pathogens, viruses and pests, and develops new techniques for efficient evaluation of plant response to inoculation by diseases and pests. Research encompasses bacterial, fungal and viral diseases, as well as nematodes and Bemisia (white fly).

Plant Biology
BonTom scientists use advanced technologies to create new traits and produce new plant varieties with valuable properties, both through classical genetic metods and by marker-assisted breeding. BonTom develops tools that broaden the genetic base of the product development pipeline. The team has developed an array of molecular markers for fast identification of desired traits in individual plants.

Comprehensive Information System – "TOMATO"

A computerized system for managing and assisting the breeding process has been developed by Mrs Drora Balaga (CSA)., This proprietary computerized system enables BonTom’s breeders to manage and analyze their research data quickly and effectively in all fields of activity involved in plant breeding. The system supports the breeder at every stage in the breeding process and facilitates communication between all parties involved, including the groups dealing with phytopathology, molecular biology, agronomy, and field and laboratory trials.

Breeding Trials
BonTom breeders conduct scores of trials each year to select parent and hybrid combinations that best meet the growers’ and the seed companies’ needs, with many trials taking place on-site in customers' fields in Israel, Turkey , Spain, France , Holland as well as in Mexico.

Breeding Projects - Future directions:
The following list represents areas of preliminary research conducted by BonTom, which have led, or are expected to lead, to the development of new breeding projects.

Development of tomato varieties rich in anti-oxidative agents
Improving flavor of high-yielding tomato varieties
Breeding heat-tolerant greenhouse tomatoes
Development of tomato rootstocks for grafting
Breeding indeterminate hybrids characterized by large, high quality, Roma-shaped fruit with long shelf-life
Breeding of disease-resistant cultivars adapted to specific regions
Breeding of cherry tomatoes
Breeding of cluster (truss) tomatos with tasty fruits of different sizes , shapes and colors.

Alliances: BonTom ’s close association with the Hebrew University provides it with access to knolwedge and proprietary technology developed by researchers at the University. Additionally, in order to access the latest genetic technology, BonTom is forging alliances with universities and companies worldwide.