Applied genetics in whitefly control in Brazil

The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is one of the greatest agricultural challenges in tropical regions, such as Brazil. This insect is not limited to a single crop, feeding on more than 500 commercial and wild plants. One of the most important crops in the global market and extremely relevant in Brazil, soybean, when it becomes a preferred host, impacts other adjacent crops, with serious consequences for tomato production, as the whitefly acts as a vector for harmful viruses.

The grain dominates the commodities market and directly impacts producers' investments in technology and pesticides against whitefly. When soybean prices are high, there is more investment in protection, ensuring effective control of the pest. However, falling prices discourage these investments, leading to inefficient control of the parasite and harming other crops, such as tomatoes.

Effect on tomato production

In tomato farming, whiteflies cause a series of direct and indirect damages. As a sucking insect, they weaken the plant by feeding and injecting toxins that result in fruits that ripen unevenly and have reduced texture and flavor (a phenomenon known as isoporization). 

However, the most serious problem is the insect's role as a transmitter of viruses, especially begomovirus (geminivirus) and crinivirus, which can drastically reduce plant productivity. These viruses compromise crop quality and yield, becoming a central concern for producers.

The correlation between the soybean market and tomato farming reflects a complex dynamic. For several years, the positive scenario for the grain, with available credit, low inflation and growing global demand, has enabled soybean farmers to invest in technology and more effective control of the insect vector. 

This investment reduced whitefly pressure nationwide and allowed many tomato growers to opt for varieties without resistance to geminivirus, especially in regions such as Goiás, where almost 100% of the areas were planted with non-resistant hybrids. As a result, there was a decrease in the demand for virus-resistant hybrids, which affected the development of these products in Brazil.

Market volatility and the demand for resistance 

The current global political and economic situation, rising production costs and high interest rates have changed market dynamics, leading soybean producers to reduce their investments. This scenario, combined with favorable weather conditions for the insect, has resulted in an explosion of the whitefly population in Brazil, generating a cascade effect on tomato farming and increasing the demand for tomato varieties resistant to geminivirus.

The response from producers reflects a growing search for genetic resistance solutions, which have become a priority for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 harvests. Focusing on the Brazilian market, the breeding work carried out by Enza Zaden, for example, has developed tomato hybrids with protection packages suited to local needs. 

The company has also just launched a new tomato hybrid in the salad segment, which combines resistance to geminivirus with high production performance and high-quality fruits. This plant is vigorous, with good leaf coverage and excellent grades of fruit.

Amid economic uncertainty, genetic improvement is proving essential for crop productivity and sustainability, especially in Brazil, where the tropical climate poses constant risks to crops. It is vital to encourage research and development of hybrids resistant to diseases such as geminivirus to protect tomato crops, ensuring that investment in new protection technologies is not neglected. After all, failing to invest now could result in much greater losses in the future.

*Per Gustavo Oliveira, Global Tomato Breeding Manager at Enza Zaden