A precision-bred tomato variety that produces up to 400% more fruit over one year than conventional tomatoes could be the crop that brings vertical farming and precision breeding to the forefront of the global fresh produce industry.

Phytoform Labs, one of our business tenants here at Rothamsted, has developed a miniaturised – or dwarf – version of the elite tomato variety Ailsa Craig, which can produce a kilogram of fruit from a plant one-sixth of the typical size for tomatoes. The crop is tailored to the needs of vertical farms, where fresh produce is grown indoors under controlled conditions.

Until now, vertical farms have tended to focus on leafy greens, which are small and require very low maintenance. Typical growing heights in vertical farms is about 15-25 inches (approx. 40-60cm), meaning typical tomato plants, which quickly exceed that size have been impractical.

Some dwarf tomato varieties are available and have been used as a model in scientific research, but the flavour of the fruit has generally been considered ‘unappealing’.

Faced with the lack of options for growers, and with few breeders working with dwarf varieties, Phytoform Labs has stepped up to the challenge, turning elite, full-size tomatoes into dwarfs.

The new variety can fit in three growth cycles a year, compared to conventional plants that typically have a single cycle, and between 50 and 100 plants can fit in a single square metre, enabling growers to produce 150-300kg/m² – up to a 400% increase on conventional varieties.

Vertical farming company Harvest London, which has two farming facilities in Walthamstow and Leyton, recently completed the first phase of a pre-commercial trial using the variety, which saw them grow hundreds of the precision-bred plants.

“People want super tasty tomatoes, available all year round and not imported thousands of miles,” says Matt Chlebek, founder and chief agronomist of Harvest London.

“The exciting part of this is Phytoform is breeding something specific for vertical farming that addresses what consumers and growers want. The concept was proved beyond doubt when the first tomatoes grew, and we’re now working with Phytoform to understand what a successful plant looks like in this environment and using cutting edge technology to make them even better.”

A second trial working alongside Jones Food Company, the UK’s largest vertical farming operation, is also nearing completion, while several farms beyond the UK have shown interest in growing the tomato.

Technological barriers

To date the speed of technology transfer in crop science has proved a barrier for start-ups in the sector, particularly in the UK and continental Europe.

Change is coming, with the UK’s Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act being passed in 2023, but companies are still waiting for measures that will allow the commercial cultivation of precision-bred produce.

Scientists have been able to apply for licenses to grow precision-bred crops in the UK since 2022, with Phytoform Labs one of the most active companies in this area. But Dr Nicolas Kral, the company’s chief technology officer, says commercially viable crops such as Phytoform’s tomato, which is ready to be sold as soon as legislation allows, are vital to showing the practical impact of crop breeding developments.

“There’s little point in changing legislation if you don’t have the use cases for the technology,” he says. “It can’t simply be an academic interest. This product is real; you could be eating it next year, but without steps to enable commercial sales, this technology is just waiting in the wings.”

Vertical farming has the potential to increase food security, localise supply chains and reduce reliance on inputs such as pesticides, which can harm ecosystems and cause concern for consumers. Phytoform’s tomato, alongside other improved crops such as strawberries, could transform the financial viability of operations, sparking an expansion in high-tech, local growing.

“Our consumer surveys clearly show people want sustainable, chemical free produce,” says Phytoform chief executive and founder, Dr William Pelton. “Bringing in appealing new options that can help vertical farming become more diverse and competitive can only be a good thing for a greener and more secure food system in the UK and beyond.

“We hope our tomatoes are going to be a reset for vertical farming. It’s a small crop that can transforms business models from thin margins to decent profits. The growers we’re working with are as excited as we are.”

Beyond the vertical farming tomato, Phytoform Labs is developing several other crops varieties, addressing key production and sustainability challenges.

For more information please visit www.phytoformlabs.com