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BASF strengthens its “connection” with the value chain to continue creating value in the fruit and vegetable industry
◼ The company, participating in Fruit Attraction, is introducing a new initiative, The Melonution, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and shared growth in the melon and watermelon sector.
◼ In the tomato segment, the new Beires* (on-the-vine) and Palmeo* (loose) varieties join BASF’s portfolio of rugose virus (ToBRFV)-resistant hybrids, aimed at both mid- and high-tech production.
◼ BASF is also launching BioSolutions, a platform that brings together all its biological crop protection solutions.
Under the slogan “Connecting for greater value”, BASF is taking part in Fruit Attraction in Madrid from 30 September to 2 October, inviting industry professionals to “connect” to create value throughout the agri-food chain. But that’s not all.
In Madrid, BASF presents itself as a “connected” company offering comprehensive solutions—from seed genetics to digital tools and crop protection. All business divisions will be represented within a shared exhibition space (Hall 9, Stand 9C23).
Among this year’s highlights, BASF focuses on melons and watermelons—strategic crops now united under a single concept: The Melonution.
“The Melonution is our strategic movement to strengthen the melon and watermelon industry through innovation, sustainability, and shared growth,” says Diego Maestre, Global Crop Manager at BASF | Nunhems.
The Melonution is built on four key pillars that have shaped BASF’s success in melons and watermelons in recent years:
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Production and quality – combining agronomic resistance (biotic and abiotic stress) with superior organoleptic characteristics in the same genetics. A prime example is the new line of “superplants” in Santa Claus (piel de sapo) melons, led by Izalco.
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Trust and collaboration – BASF | Nunhems deepens cooperation across the entire value chain, developing joint projects such as Galkia® and Fashion®, while highlighting its Premium Universe range of seedless watermelons.
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Innovation – “We create new eating experiences,” says Maestre, referring to innovations such as the Mayan line of Dino (Gaya)-type melons with white Asian flesh, long shelf life, and high sugar content, as well as the single-serve watermelon Takemi*.
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Versatility – developing melon and watermelon varieties suitable for both fresh and processed consumption (dual purpose), such as Bazman and Harmonium, meeting market demand for firm, high-quality flesh that remains consistent even under adverse climatic conditions.
All the technology in tomatoes
Tomatoes remain one of BASF’s key crops. All new varieties share the common denominator of resistance to the tomato rugose virus (ToBRFV).
In the on-the-vine segment, BASF adds Beires* to its leading varieties Cabosur* and Caboluna* — a hybrid offering exceptionally high yield, according to Ester Serrano, Crop Lead South Europe Tomato Fresh at BASF | Nunhems.
In the loose tomato category, the company introduced Palmeo*, the first variety resistant to both rugose and Fulvia, featuring large fruits (GG–GGG size) and remarkable productivity.
BASF has also expanded its range of plum tomatoes, led by Azovian, followed by new varieties to complete the production cycle in different sizes, along with its Intense® line, including NUN 09399 TOF (for export) and NUN 06226 TOF (for processing in Spain and Morocco).
In cherry tomatoes, Daivion* remains the reference variety for the round type, while BASF strengthens its cherry plum range for mid- and high-tech growers with Purion*, joining Vitalion and Marvelion*.
The company is also expanding its rootstock portfolio—in addition to Dreampower and Maaspower*, two new rootstocks with different vigor levels will be launched this season, all rugose virus-resistant.
BioSolutions by BASF
Under the BioSolutions concept, BASF brings together a wide range of biological crop protection productsdeveloped in harmony with nature. The portfolio includes:
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Serifel® – a broad-spectrum fungicide,
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Velifer® – a microbial-based insecticide,
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Essenciel® – a natural-extract-based product with fungicidal, acaricidal, and insecticidal properties.
“Our products help farmers reduce waste, improve stress tolerance, and protect crops from pests and diseases for longer periods, offering greater flexibility in harvesting,” explains Arturo Sanz, Crop Manager Vegetables at BASF.
He adds: “In doing so, we are contributing to a more sustainable future.”
The new portfolio enables farmers to protect crops naturally, harnessing the power of nature itself. It is part of BASF’s broader strategy to deliver efficient and sustainable agriculture for the future.
* APC granted and in the process of application for inclusion in the EC Common Catalogue of Vegetable
Varieties
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